Dear Friends,
Deep snow blankets the Clearwater country today. This winter to date has us slightly ahead of average for snowfall in the region. Let us hope it continues.
The snow pack is one of four primary ecological factors that affect wildlife populations in the still wild places of the West. In addition to its contribution to the watershed, snow pack strongly impacts foraging mammals and their prey.
Ground squirrels go into a deep winter-long state of torpor, while tree squirrels and other smaller mammals rely on caches of food gathered during snow-free months. Hoofed animals move to lower elevations in hopes of milder climes, less snow, and more available browse (trees) and forage (ground vegetation).
Predators, such wolverine and lynx, rely on their large furred feet which act as snowshoes, allowing easier travel and sometime improved predation success in the winter.
Another major factor affecting wildlife in the Wild Clearwater country is off-road vehicle use. Tomorrow, January 11 is the deadline for commenting on the Clearwater National Forest's Travel Planning scoping comments. Please take a moment to help reduce the impact this major introduced factor has on the Wild Clearwater's wildlife.
Ask that all roadless areas in the Clearwater National Forest be free from motorized use. You will need to copy and paste the email address below to comment. Sorry for this inconvenience.
comments-northern-clearwater@fs.fed.us
To read a few talking points and then comment visit here.
A contingent of Idaho roadless supporters will be making their way to Washington, DC this weekend to testify at the Idaho Roadless Draft EIS public meeting and at the meeting of the Roadless Area Conservation National Advisory Committee (RACNAC) to occur next week. Board member and Nez Perce tribal member James Holt, member Kelly Emo, and Education Director Will Boyd will be advocating for full protection of the state's 9 million + roadless acres at these two meetings and in our interactions with agency officials and members of Congress during our time there.
We will keep you well informed as to the progress of this process as well as the Clearwater Travel Planning.
Enjoy the snow if you've got it!
all the best,
Will
