The South Fork of the Snake River flows for 66 miles across southeastern Idaho, through high mountain valleys, rugged canyons and broad floodplains. An incredible resource for outdoor recreation, more than 300,000 anglers, campers, hikers, boaters and birders visit the South Fork each year. The river corridor is also home to an impressive array of wildlife including moose, deer, elk, mountain goats, mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, coyotes, river otter, beaver, fox, mink and 126 bird species, including 21 raptors, meriting a “National Important Bird Area” designation. Photo courtesy of Jim Shane, Bureau of Land Management Artist-In-Residence (@mypubliclands).
One of Interior’s nine bureaus, the Bureau of Land Management was established on July 16, 1946, when the General Land Office and the U.S. Grazing Service were merged. More than 70 years later, the BLM remains a small agency with a big job - managing public lands for multiple-uses like recreation and natural resource development on more than 245 million acres of public land. From working with family ranchers to big business, protecting untrammeled wilderness and wildlife habitat, and providing visitors with epic adventures in stunning settings, 10,000 passionate employees work hard every day for the benefit of present and future generations. Photo of the South Fork of the Snake River in Idaho by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management (@mypubliclands).
On this date in 1993, Congress established Idaho’s Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area – home to the greatest concentration of nesting birds of prey in North America, and perhaps, the world. In 2009, it was renamed to honor a long-time advocate for birds of prey and a man who dedicated his life to protecting the area: Morley Nelson. In the 1940s Nelson began to document birds of prey along the Snake River canyon on film, influencing public opinion about the majesty and importance of these species. Nelson was also instrumental in convincing Secretary of the Interior Rogers Morton to give the area special protection in 1971. Here cliffs towering up to 700 feet above the Snake River provide countless ledges, cracks and crevices for nesting raptors. These magnificent birds launch from their cliffside aeries to soar and hunt on warm air currents rising from the canyon floor. Today, as we celebrate 25 years of protecting Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, we also honor the man who was critical to ensuring future generations can hear the call of raptors as they swoop for their prey. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management, @mypubliclands
There are few views more dramatic than the sudden elevation of the Grand Teton range beyond the Snake River. Towering 7,000 feet over the valley, the rugged mountains dominate the landscape at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Snow, storms, seasonal color or the soft glow of sunrise transform the scene, making it one of the most photogenic places in the world. Photo by Kyle Miller (www.sharetheexperience.org).
#DidYouKnow that Idaho had canyons? Southern Idaho’s Snake River plains are dissected by several deep river canyons that offer spectacular scenery and world-class bird viewing and photography opportunities. Close by is the Bruneau Canyon Overlook. It’s the only readily accessible spot from which to view this deep canyon and was recently protected by Congress as a Wild and Scenic River. The viewpoint provides a taste of one of the more remote corners of the U. S.: the Bruneau-Jarbidge-Owyhee River Canyon system. These canyons offer whitewater boating, fishing, hunting and unlimited exploring for properly equipped adventurers. Photo by Bob Wick, @mypubliclands.
The majestic South Fork of the Snake River flows 66 miles across southeastern Idaho, through high mountain valleys, rugged canyons and broad flood plains to its confluence with the Henry’s Fork near Menan Buttes. Located near some of the world’s best known recreation areas – including Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks – the South Fork is home to 126 bird species, moose, deer and an impressive array of other wildlife. Plus, it’s a great place to see fall colors in full bloom! Photo by Jessica Gottlieb, @mypubliclands.
The South Fork of the Snake River flows 66 miles across southeastern Idaho, through high mountain valleys, rugged canyons and broad flood plains to its confluence with the Henry’s Fork near Menan Buttes. The South Fork supports the largest cottonwood gallery forest in the West and is among the most unique and diverse ecosystems in Idaho. Along its picturesque banks can be found an impressive array of other wildlife including moose, elk, mountain goats, mountain lions, black bears, and more than 126 bird species. Photo by mypubliclands
Mornings in Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming) are breathtaking. Pictured here is the park’s Mount Moran illuminated by the early morning light and reflected in the Snake River. Sunrise photo courtesy of Duane Jurma.
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