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August 2009 FYI

Idaho Invasive Species Program Update.  IOGA executive director Grant Simonds met with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) officials at their request along with several private boaters in July primarily to provide input on implementation of the invasive sticker program. IOGA continues to lobby for changes to next year's IDPR program with focus on outfitters being able to order and pay for stickers online along with providing stickers that can be more easily attached to non-motorized boats. Simonds shared examples of stickers from other programs during the meeting. Apparently, it costs IDPR $2.30 per sticker to administer the sticker program for which there is no direct funding mechanism. Proceeds of the sticker payment are forwarded the Idaho Dept of Agriculture. Several outfitters have recently told Simonds that officials of several Idaho counties (counties are responsible for enforcement of the sticker program) have told them that carrying the invasive species stickers is okay in deference to displaying the stickers on non-motorized boats. The current sticker supplied is one that is conveniently applied to a hard surface, but not to a float boat. However, the proposed IDPR rule calls for display of the sticker on each individual craft. After a recent article in the Idaho Statesman (see link below) Simonds received a phone call from the IOGLB. In summary, IOGLB plans to summarize the invasive species program in an upcoming newsletter. It does not appear that the IOGLB has jurisdiction unless one of the other agencies takes enforcement action first.

 

Simonds also recently attended a portion of an Idaho Department of Agriculture training session to learn more about the inspection portion of the program. While it appears as though the inspection portion of the program is focused on motorized boats, especially those entering the state, IOGA is checking into float boat outfitters concerns regarding potential damage to non-motorized boats relative to 140 degree decontamination water used at inspection stations on boats found to contain invasive species.. It is not known as of this writing what reciprocal, if any, programs there are between neighboring states such as Washington. Failure to have a sticker can lead to a $57 fine. Boaters who intentionally skip the inspection could face a misdemeanor charge and fines up to $3,000 or civil penalties of up to $10,000. Simonds is interested to continue to hear from members regarding implementation issues of either the sticker or washing station routines. Contact him at gsimonds@cableone.net. I invite you to check out the links below.

 

http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/PlantsInsects/Images/Invasive_Species/Inspection_Sites_7_13_09.pdf  Idaho 17 inspection stations as of mid-July—map

 

http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Environment/InvasiveSpeciesCouncil/Inspection_Station_FAQ.php Idaho Inspection station FAQ

 

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/ans/ais_pe_rcw2008.pdf Information about Washington program

 

http://www.idahostatesman.com/zimo/story/850037.html Q and A with Pete Zimowsky, veteran Idaho Statesman outdoor writer, relative to enforcement of invasive species sticker program. Private boater is upset that outfitter boats don't have stickers. Mentions Payette and Middle Fork, particularly drift boats on MF.

 

Will there be a wolf hunting season? That's the 64 dollar question. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game Commission will meet August 17 to consider wolf quotas for specific wolf management units. The Idaho wolf hunting season structure has already been set. Montana recently set quotas and seasons. Speculation is that the enviro organizations will file for injunctive relief regarding their recent lawsuit once Idaho sets the quota. Assuming that the enviros file for injunction, then it is up to the judge to act. If he doesn't act before wolf season begins, then the hunt is on. If he acts, but doesn't shut down the season, then the hunt is on. If he acts and negates the season, then obviously the hunt is nullified while he continues to make his ultimate decision on the latest suit to nullify wolf delisting in MT and ID. Idaho resident wolf tags are $9.75; nonresident wolf tags are $184.25. The IOGLB is expected to add wolf hunting as a licensed activity to any outfitter who is currently licensed for bear, cougar and/or predators, without an amendment fee, depending upon the action of the IDFG Commission during their upcoming August 17 meeting. IOGA sponsored two workshops during the summer of 2008 on wolf hunting techniques. For a DVD of these sessions, contact Grant Simonds at gsimonds@cableone.net

 

Check out this article for more on the current politics of potential wolf hunting. http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/853961.html

Current Legal Status Wolves in Idaho are currently no longer under the protection of the federal Endangered Species Act. On May 4, 2009, wolf management in all of Idaho reverted to state management under state code 36-1107 and Idaho's Wolf Population Management Plan [PDF, 887 KB]. Simply put, the law says wolves molesting or attacking livestock or domestic animals may be disposed of by livestock or domestic animal owners, their employees, agents and animal damage control personnel. No permit from Fish and Game is necessary. The incident must be reported to the Fish and Game director within 72 hours, with additional reasonable time allowed if access to the site where taken is limited. Wolves so taken shall remain the property of the state. Livestock and domestic animal owners may take all nonlethal steps they deem necessary to protect their property. A permit must be obtained from the director to control wolves not molesting or attacking livestock or domestic animals. Control is also permitted by owners, their employees and agents pursuant to the Idaho department of fish and game harvest rules. "Molesting" means the actions of a wolf that are annoying, disturbing or persecuting, especially with hostile intent or injurious effect, or chasing, driving, flushing, worrying, following after or on the trail of, or stalking or lying in wait for, livestock or domestic animals