BLM-ID Tasks GeomorphIS Team to Conduct Blair Noxious Weed Survey

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Boise District, Idaho has tasked a GeomorphIS/Elliott Environmental Consulting Team to conduct a noxious weed survey on the Blair fire burned area. Ignited by lightning, the Blair fire burned 1,345 acres of public land in July 2005. At the time, noxious weeds found within the fire perimeter were limited to rush skeletonweed and one population of Russian knapweed. In 2011, the Elmore County Noxious Weed Program re-surveyed recently burned areas including the Blair fire. Since its initial discovery, Boise District BLM and Elmore County have made significant progress treating the infestation, but assistance is needed due to the intensified survey level required for plant detection. This contract will cover a noxious weed plant survey of the 2005 Blair fire plus a 1-mile buffer (survey unit).  With the project area and 1 mile buffer, total acres to survey will be 5,460 acres. Field data from this effort will be used to develop an herbicide treatment plan. Managing the spread of invasive species is key to maintaining biodiversity and protects public lands and water resources.