Payette NF Disaster Relief Fence Reconstruction

2026-11-03

The 2024 Lava Fire on the Boise National Forest destroyed several range fence improvements that are vital to managing livestock on the Payette C & H allotment as well as preventing unauthorized or excess livestock use from the neighboring Payette National Forest and Ola C C & H allotment . In total , approximately 59 , 183 feet , or 11 . 2 miles , of fence needs to be reconstructed / replaced . This is in accordance with analysis completed in the 2025 Lava Post Fire EA . The project is split between three prior existing fences that were destroyed by wildfire , the Mill Creek Summit Boundary Fence ( 23 , 545 ’), the Thirdfork Boundary Fence ( 17 , 181 ’), and the Payette – Ola C Boundary Fence ( 18 , 457 ’). All fences incorporate existing cattle guards which remain in place and do not require additional work aside from connecting the fence . This project is for the reconstruction / replacement of the fences including materials provided by the contractor . All fences will be of the same construction , following the specifications below . Work is to be conducted in remote sections of National Forest Land on the Boise National Forest and will have limited road access or equipment staging areas . Soil type and depth to rock will vary across the project area . All work and disturbance is to be confined within a 20 - foot buffer , 10 feet on either side of the designated fence path . Clearing the buffer area of minor obstructions , such as downed trees or branches , is allowable . No live trees should be cut . Minor deviation from the designated fence path is allowed where necessary to avoid timber , rock out crops , or other larger obstructions . Access and use of small equipment , i . e . skid steers , ATVs , UTV , etc . is authorized within the buffer area where practical . Total avoidance of threatened or endangered vegetation species , including White Bark Pine , Pinus albicaulis , is required . At no point should fences be secured to trees in any fashion . If at any point cultural / heritage resources are discovered , all work shall cease until forest heritage staff can be consulted .

Idaho

2026-05-11