November 2007 FYI

Subject: IOGA November 2007 FYI Bulletin--Forest Service Policy feature

 

In this edition……

 

- Forest Service Outfitter Policy

- Short takes

- IOGA Photo Contest

- Welcome to New Members

 

For your calendar

• The IOGA 53rd Annual Meeting – December 11-13, Red Lion Downtowner, Boise
• Board of Directors & Committee meetings – December 10, 11, & 14, Red Lion Downtowner, Boise
• 17th Annual Lobby Days - February 12-13, 2008, Idaho Statehouse & Basque Center, Boise
• 5^th Annual IOGA Outdoor Getaway fundraiser—March 8, 2008, CDA Casino, Worley

Federal Register Notice of Forest Service Outfitter Policy. The new Forest Service outfitter policy was announced in the Federal Register on October 19^th. Outfitters/guides are urged to become familiar with the policy and accompanying Handbook. Be sure to read both. Both are attached to this special IOGA bulleting. Comment is due January 17, 2008. However, America Outdoors and IOGA have requested an extension of two months. IOGA is hosting a general session, Thursday, December 13, on the new policy during the upcoming IOGA annual meeting featuring Chris Ryan, a Forest Service team member involved in the development of the policy and David Brown, Executive Director, America Outdoors. Attached please find Brown’s initial analysis of the policy. Be sure and open this file!

In summary, initial read is that the new policy, if enacted as is, will ratchet down use for many priority use permittees, throw many outfitters who are operating on temporary permits into a lottery, common pool or bidding scenario.  It appears that the agency intends to downsize outfitting and guiding in favor on increased unregulated low fee temporary use. Many religious, college or other similar use can be accommodated without whacking the outfitting industry. It seems that the agency is out to downsize the outfitting industry and not just redistribute unutilized allocation. IOGA estimates that upwards of eighty percent of all special use permitted Idaho outfitters operate on lands and water administered by the US Forest Service. Read the attached documents, come to the IOGA annual December meeting to become better acquainted with the proposal and join the chorus in seeking changes.

Short takes

- Check out the revamped IOGA website at www.ioga.org Significant work has been done to improve the search functions for rafting and jetboating outfitters. The home page includes direct links to IOGA meetings, fundraising events and enewsletters. Search engine optimization has been improved, also.

-   Last call to be listed in the 2008 IOGA Directory of Guided Outdoor Adventures. Distribution is 20,000. Membership dues must be current to be listed. Contact Janey Bruesch at 208.342.1438 or idoutfitt@cableone.net

-  Reserve lodging for the annual IOGA December 11-13, 2007 meeting by contacting the Red Lion Downtowner Hotel at 208.344.7691. Mention that you are with IOGA. Rates are $68, not including taxes, single or double occupancy, with a cut-off date of December 3, 2007.

-  Important: IOGA is accepting nominations for one of the three outfitter/guide seat on the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board. The term of incumbent outfitter IOGLB member Scott Farr expires in April 2008. The IOGA process for selection of names to send to Governor Butch Otter includes a written and oral interview with the IOGA board of directors on December 14, 2007. Candidates must have five years experience as a licensed outfitter/guide to be considered. For more information and/or to nominate someone including yourself, contact Grant Simonds at gsimonds@cableone.net

-  Last call for nominations for the 2007 Resource Manager of the Year award. This award has been presented since 1988 during the annual December meeting to a state or federal resource management agency person who exemplifies building understanding, communication and trust in their activities as a resource manager with the industry. Send your nomination letter/note to Grant Simonds at gsimonds@cableone.net by November 15^th with mention of 2007 activities that exemplify the purpose of this IOGA award.  .

-  IOGA is currently accepting nominations regarding a relatively new award called the “Partnership Award”. Basically, this is an award given to a group of agency persons regarding “actions and decisions supportive of the outfitter industry way of life”. Send your nomination along with a short nomination letter to Grant Simonds at gsimonds@cableone.net by November 15th. This initial award was presented to the Salmon/Challis National Forest in December of 2006 and read: In appreciation of Forest employee’s actions and decisions supportive of the outfitter industry way of life. Notable actions and decisions include, but are not limited to: Decision to remove Pistol Creek logjam; Communication regarding fire behavior & fire restrictions; Significant effort with trails maintenance; Communication regarding special use permit management; Middle Fork deadhead accommodation during fire period; General good will toward maintaining and enhancing a partnership attitude regarding caring for the land and serving the people especially during challenging budget year

-  Mackay Bar Ranch is seeking an experienced individual to help run the outfitting business. Large/little used area in the Frank Church wilderness. Responsibilities would include; advertising, sales and booking, staff hiring and management, for guided elk and deer hunting and summer back country packing/camping/fishing. Contact: Mackay Bar Ranch, HC 83 Box 8010, Cascade Id. 83611, mackaybar@starband.net

-  Brochures Requested for Safari Club International Conference and Show. IOGA will have a booth at the SCI Conference in Reno, NV January 23-27, 2008.  IOGA will provide the 2008 IOGA Directory and copies of member outfitter brochures to those inquiring at the booth.  If you are interested in having your brochures available please bring 20-25 copies to the Winter Meeting (give them to Janey Bruesch) or mail them to the IOGA office:  711 N. 5^th St., Boise, ID 83702. IOGA donates a trip to this SCI eventeach year with 70% of the selling price being returned to IOGA.  This year High Country Outfitters donated a spring bear hunt for two people.  IOGA has been participating in this program since 1996. 

-  PLEASE remember to bring your wild game meat, birds and fish for Lobby Day to the Winter Meeting.  Janey Bruesch has freezer space to store the meat until Lobby Day.  It really helps in menu planning to have the meat early. 

- Volunteers are needed to assist with registration at the Winter Meeting.  Dates and times are: 

Tuesday, December 11, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wednesday, December 12, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Thursday, December 13, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

If you can help during any of this time, please contact Janey Bruesch at idoutfitt@cableone.net or 208.342.1438

- Don’t forget to have your poem ready for the 11^th Annual IOGA Poetry Contest during Party Night on December 13^th.  Prizes are awarded for first, second and third place.

- Governor Otter has challenged the citizens of Idaho “To develop a fair and equitable approach to funding the state’s boating program, while continuing to provide valuable services to the growing Idaho boating community that includes both motorized and non-motorized boaters.” To assist him in reaching this goal, he has appointed a committee eleven (three user group representatives, a marine deputy, three legislators and four state government agency persons) to evaluate the current funding structure for Idaho’s boating programs, and work together to design an equitable process that can provide funding solutions for all recreational boating programs and users. The first meeting in scheduled for November 30^th . Grant Simonds will represent the IOGA. This topic will be an agenda item during the annual IOGA December meeting on December 11^th during the River Section meeting. Come to the IOGA meeting to obtain an update and provide your input.

- Salmon River Road construction is on! The on and off again federal project to improve the River Road upstream from Riggins is apparently on again. Last some of us heard are that bids had been rejected and the feds were back to the drawing board. At any rate, Main Salmon River outfitters and others will want to get caught up on the latest. The concern is adequate access, especially during the shoulder seasons, while construction is moving forward. So, Kim Friend of River Adventures (208-628-3952) has organized a meeting. Also, this will be a topic during the IOGA River Section meeting of December 11^th in Boise during the annual meeting.

 

“The Salmon River Community requests your attendance regarding the Salmon River Road Project on Thursday, November 15^th, 2007, at the Salmon River High School Multi-purpose room, at 7 p.m. MT.  The later time is to accommodate any and all outfitters, guides and local business people who wish to attend. 

Those present will be representatives from the USFS, BLM, City, County, State and Federal Government, Outfitters, Guides and other related businesses, residents, etc. Road construction and closures will begin November 26th which will severely limit access to the river above Lake Creek Bridge.  Issues to be addressed are: outfitter hardships, emergency medical assistance, students attending school and sports activities, access to private residences above closure, road closure schedules, river taxis, jet boat races, Women With Bait, Big Water Blowout, length of project, signage, types of notification given to private and commercial river users, schedule of public meetings for updates, contacts, how to address future issues, etc.” 

-Carl Wilgus, longtime Idaho Department of Commerce tourism director,is leaving Idaho for the Poconos! To commemorate his 20+ years at Idaho Tourism and send him off in style, a no-host reception and roast will be held in his honor. Idaho cuisine will be featured and the party will be a fundraiser for the Larry May Foundation. Cost is $25 per person. (If you cannot stay for hors d'œuvres and the roast, there is no cost to attend) Monday, November 19, 2007, Owyhee Plaza Hotel Ballroom, 2nd Floor, 1109 Main Street, Downtown Boise, Reception - 5:00 pm, Program - 6:30 pm Carl joined the staff of Sun Valley Company back in 1973 as a ski instructor, moved into various positions in management there before moving on to Boise to successfully lead the Division of Tourism Development, a position he held for more than twenty years.  A Tacoma, Washington native, Carl enjoys snow skiing, golf and, luckily, traveling. His staff will sorely miss him!

 

IOGA’S 2^nd Annual “Images of Idaho” Photo Contest

 

IOGA is proud to announce our second annual photo contest. The contest is held each year at the IOGA Winter Meeting and is open to all IOGA members. Contestants are allowed a maximum of three (3) entries for the contest. The categories are:

 

• Idaho ‘Scenic Lands/Waters’
• Idaho ‘Wildlife/Animals’
• Idaho ‘Characters’
• Idaho ‘Experiences
• Idaho ‘Humor’

 

A $10 Entry Fee will be charged for each entry.  Prizes and/or cash will be awarded for the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners. There will be three judges. Photos sent to the IOGA office must be received prior to the IOGA annual December meeting, December 11-13, 2007. No email entries will be accepted. Photos can also be brought to the Winter Meeting. Contact Jane Bruesch at idoutfitt@cableone.net for Contest Rules and Entry Form. Go to your files, get out those shots….and who knows….YOU might just win some dough!  Send in some of those unique shots from this fire season!

 

Welcome to IOGA  New Members --- Mid-September-November 8, 2007

 

Outfitter

 

Dan Mangus

Wilderness Outfitters

P O Box 2

Challis ID  83226

307.262.7406;

dandy@tridcsp.com

www.idahowilderness.com 

Hunting, Fishing, Trail rides, Backpacking. F&G Unit: 27. (Purchased from Scott Farr, Wilderness Outfitters)

 

Business Associate

 

Hotel 43                                                                                                 Globe Feed & Seed, LLC          

Dilara Dyer                                                                                            Steve Lakey

981 W. Grove Street                                                                             1696 E 990 S

Boise, ID  83701                                                                                    Eden ID  83325

208.287.1482                                                                                          Phone & Fax:  208.825.4250

Fax:  208.344.5751                                                                 hay@globefeedseed.com

Dilara.dyer@ihrco.com                                                                       www.globefeedseed.com

www.hotel43.com                                                                 Bailed and bagged hay products

Boutique hotel  (formerly Statehouse Inn)

 

Vacations Made Easy

Deborah Cantu

1675 E Seminole #A1

Springfield, MO  65804

1-800-987-9852

dcantu@vacationsmadeeasy.com

www.vacationsmadeeasy.com

On-line travel website providing lodging and activities for the Tamarack area          

     

       

For more information on the FYI, contact Grant Simonds at gsimonds@cableone.net (208.343.9548) or Jane Bruesch at idoutfitt@cableone.net (208.342.1438).