BLM Targets Invasive Weeds to Reduce Wildfire Risk in Southwestern Idaho

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BLM Targets Invasive Weeds to Reduce Wildfire Risk in Southwestern Idaho

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BOISE, Idaho-In a proactive step to reduce wildfire risk and invest in healthy, resilient public lands, the Bureau of Land Management Boise District in southwestern Idaho, partnering with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, will conduct the following aerial herbicide treatments:

• Approximately 9,800 acres of lands managed by the BLM Bruneau Field Office within Owyhee County.
• Approximately 6,000 acres of lands managed by the BLM Owyhee and Four Rivers Field Offices within Ada and Owyhee Counties.

Treatments are scheduled to begin the second week of October 2026, depending on weather, wildfire activity and other operational conditions. They are intended to reduce invasive annual grasses and hazardous fine fuels, maintain strategic fuel breaks, support vegetation recovery following wildfire, and improve the establishment and long-term success of desirable perennial vegetation. By strengthening landscapes before wildfire strikes, the work helps reduce wildfire risk and the potential costs of large, damaging fires while protecting wildlife habitat, rangelands, watersheds and other public resources.

Treatments will use the BLM-approved herbicide imazapic. Application rates will vary by project area based on vegetation and management objectives.

The public may see low-flying aircraft over designated treatment areas and should avoid those areas while applications are underway. USWFS employees will be present in project areas before and during application. Federal officials appreciate the public's cooperation as these treatments invest in the long-term health and resilience of public lands and reduce wildfire risk.

Rangelands in Idaho and across the West have been heavily impacted by destructive wildfires, exacerbated by drought, insects, and disease, leaving millions of acres vulnerable to future wildfires. Since 2000, wildfires have burned an average of 7.3 million acres annually, with BLM lands seeing an average of 236,530 acres affected each year. This year alone, wildfires have devastated over 3.3 million acres of BLM-managed lands, and 9 million acres of all jurisdictions nationwide.

The BLM manages about 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.