Letter to Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee national forest supervisors about Heli-skiing Final Environmental Impact Statement, rescinded decision, and new information regarding aerial mountain goat surveys

Publication Type:

Unpublished

Authors:

Saban, R. J.; Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Upper Snake Region

Source:

Idaho Department of Fish and Game, p.[5] (2005)

Call Number:

U05SAB01IDUS

Keywords:

critical range, heli-skiing, mountain goat, Oreamnos americanus, snowmobiles

Abstract:

The author writes to the Bridger-Teton National Forest supervisor Carole “Kniffy” Hamilton and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest supervisor Jerry Reese in response to a U.S. Forest Service 2004 Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, a rescinded decision to both in 2005, and new information regarding aerial mountain goat surveys. Saban explains why IDFG did not issue a written response to the 2004 FEIS and ROD, including that the FEIS and ROD were rescinded and so the agency chose to comment on the reissued version when released. IDFG continues to hold the position that flight within and over the mapped no-fly polygons should be prohibited, justified by data collected and literature presented. IDFG strongly contends that disturbance by helicopters and snowmobiles have a cumulative negative effect on wintering goats and that the FEIS did not adequately address the cumulative effects of these disturbances. Saban/IDFG conclude that no-fly polygons as drawn should be depicted in the next FEIS and ROD, specifically prohibiting helicopter flights within or over the polygons. IDFG supports helicopter flights for heli-skiing in the corridor between the two existing no-fly polygons if a minimum height of 0.5 mile above ground level is maintained. IDFG intends to seek cooperation from the Targhee Forest to determine the extent of snowmobile use in mountain goat range in the Palisade Mountains and to investigate options to reduce conflicts.