You Can Help Idaho Wildlife

Would you like to do something for wildlife? How about joining the ranks of other community-spirited people who volunteer to plant bitterbrush and sagebrush seedlings to help the Fish and Game Department restore critical winter range for deer and elk? These projects are vital to Fish and Game's effort to improve habitat for mule deer, elk and other species. Planting projects in Southeast Idaho begin on February 21. For information about how to volunteer contact Terri Bergmeier at 232-4702. The annual planting project in Southwest Idaho begins March 5 and continues on March 12, 19 and 26. For more information about this planting project, contact Mary Dudley at 327-7099. Why plant bitterbrush and sagebrush? The native shrubs comprise an important component of big game winter ranges in Idaho and throughout the West. Besides providing essential food sources for deer, elk and other wildlife, bitterbrush and sagebrush provide cover from the elements and predators, as well as nesting habitat for native birds. Even large animals like deer and elk find shelter among mature stands of bitterbrush and sagebrush during winter storms. The animals hunker down under the shrubs, out of the wind and snow, to conserve precious body fat which they need to survive the lean winter months. Because of their deep-rooted structure, native shrubs provide soil stabilization, reducing erosion. Please call 327-7099 in Southwest Idaho or 232-4702 in Southeast Idaho to sign up to plant bitterbrush and sagebrush and to learn about other volunteer opportunities with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, including another habitat restoration project, Idaho Anadromous Outreach, beginning in April.