Owyhee Draft Plan Released by BLM

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Bureau of Land Management has released its draft management plan for six wilderness areas and 16 wild and scenic river segments in southwestern Idaho and is seeking public comments. The Draft Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River Management Plan includes about 518,000 acres and 325 miles of wild and scenic river in Owyhee County.

The comment period runs through April 30 for the plan intended to guide management for the next decade. The six rugged areas became federally protected preserves in 2009. The agency says it created only one plan because the six wilderness areas are near each other, have comparable natural and cultural resources, and have similar management challenges. The 16 wild and scenic river segments are contained almost entirely within the wilderness areas.