Idaho Department of Fish and Game, in consultation with regional staff and federal land management agencies, recognizes the need to rehabilitate impact by wildfires (Paddock, Valley, Danskins, Bray, Moose Cr., Sheep, Mayfield, Badger, Tex Cr. WMA, etc.). This declaration will allow Department staff to continue to enhance critical big game winter range affected by wildfire, drought, and invasion of noxious weeds. In addition to allowing work on previously identified areas, this declaration will allow for immediate response to need for winter range rehabilitation/enhancement during this upcoming year. Past fires, droughts, and impacts have created a situation for mule deer and elk winter range where one or more of the following criteria are met: a. Actual or imminent threat of depreciation to private property. b. Threat to public safety, including traffic hazards. c. Excessive mortality that would affect the recovery of the herd. d. Limited or unavailable winter forage caused by fire or unusual weather.
