BLM acquires Boise Foothills land to help maintain open space and protect wildlife habitat
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Boise, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management has acquired 275 acres of land in the Boise Foothills to increase access to open space and protect important wildlife habitat. The property is located a few miles north of Barber Valley overlooking Table Rock and downtown Boise. The BLM purchased the land from the Alta Harris Family Foundation, a non-profit organization, using money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The land that the BLM acquired connects public land that the BLM already administers to the north and east with the Idaho Fish and Game Boise River Wildlife Management Area to the southeast. The State of Idaho established the Wildlife Management Area primarily to protect big game winter range. The parcel that the BLM has acquired is considered crucial winter range for mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk. The BLM’s acquisition of this property aligns with the America the Beautiful initiative that seeks to conserve fish and wildlife habitat and expand access to public lands and waters through voluntary conservation.
“The Boise Foothills, with the vast amount of open space they provide, are one of the most iconic landscapes in the State of Idaho,” said Tanya Thrift, BLM Boise District Manager. “Bringing this parcel of land into public ownership helps maintain the natural environment and helps ensure that wildlife can continue to thrive there.”
“Dallas and Alta Harris were committed to protecting the environment, particularly to preserve areas for wildlife habitat and conservation. We believe that placing this land under the care of the BLM aligns with the wishes expressed by Dallas and Alta to protect our natural habitat,” said Felicia Burkhalter, President, The Dallas And Alta Harris Family Foundation.
For additional information about recreation opportunities on lands managed by the BLM in the Boise Foothills, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/visit/ridge-rivers-trail-system
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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.