Biologists meet to determine future of wildlife following Henry’s Creek Fire

The following is a news release from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game.

IDAHO FALLS — The fires are still not fully extinguished, but the biologists that manage the big game herds and habitat of the Upper Snake Region have already met to strategize a path forward in response to the Henry’s Creek Fire that impacted major areas of the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area (TCWMA).

Department wildlife professionals ranging from game biologists, habitat biologists, conservation officers, and communications staff have already met to identify key issues that will need to be addressed in the future.

Because the fire is still active, discussions are just at the preliminary planning stages because biologists have not been able to enter to make a detailed assessment, but one thing that is clear is that the impact on some parts of the TCWMA was very dramatic and will have both short and long-term implications for the habitat, wildlife, and human users.

As staff discussed the impacts of the fire it became clear that issues facing managers are very complex and that a multitude of challenges will need to be addressed over time.

For big game hunters hoping to hunt on the TCWMA, the good news is that much of the areas where big game animals are present at this time of the year were either totally unscathed or burned in a mosaic pattern that left patches of forage and cover.

The bigger problem facing biologists will be how to prepare for the transition to winter range after the hunts are over. Much of the TCWMA that is traditionally used by deer and elk to overwinter was hit extremely hard by the fires. According to IDFG Regional Supervisor Jim White, “As we move forward we will be seeking input from surrounding private landowners.”

Keeping the public informed about all aspects of the situation was deemed to be of great importance to the managers. As assess to TCWMA becomes possible, staff will be on the ground evaluating habitat conditions not only relating to big game, but upland game like sharp-tailed grouse, and even water quality issues in creeks for important species such as Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.

Involvement by the public will be important for a wide variety of tasks associated with recovery from such a large fire. Persons interested in keeping informed about the Tex Creek Fire recovery should follow on the Upper Snake Region Facebook page. Those interested in helping out can call the regional office at 208-390-0635 or register at: https://idfg.idaho.gov/volunteer/tex-creek-fire