Airport EIS delayed again
The Federal Aviation Administration announced Thursday that the draft environmental impact statement for a replacement airport has been delayed further.
The report was set to be issued on May 27, but was delayed until "late summer or early fall" just one week before the anticipated deadline.
In a news release, FAA spokesman Mike Fergus said the recent delay was due to "issues related to wildlife and the need for further review of the financial feasibility of the project."
FAA spokeswoman Cayla Morgan said no deadline has been set for completion of the draft.
Work on the draft EIS began in 2006 and was expected to be completed within two years. It is expected to address the impacts of a replacement airport on floodplains, the economy, noise, wildlife and historic and tribal resources.
Decisions on final location, funding and potential costs cannot be made until the draft EIS is released for public comment, revised and approved.
Lectures to address forest health
During two talks in and near Stanley on Friday, July 22, a BLM forest ecologist will address why whitebark pines are dying on Galena Summit and throughout the high Sawtooth country. The talks are part of the Stanley museum and Redfish Center's annual Forum and Lecture Series.
Ecologist Dana Perkins has a Ph.D. from Utah State University. She has lived in Stanley since 1976, when she started working for the Forest Service.
Lodgepole pine and other forest issues will also be discussed.
Her free talks will take place at the Stanley Museum at 5 p.m. and at the Redfish Center at 8 p.m.
ERC needs recycling volunteers
The Environmental Resource Center is seeking volunteers to help with recycling at Sun Valley Center Wine Auction events this weekend. Volunteers guide people in putting their recyclables in the right bins and help to make sure that the picnic is a stellar, waste-free event.
Two more volunteers are needed to help tonight, July 22, and six to eight more are needed for Saturday.
For more information, call Bruce Rogers at 720-0291.
Ready to Ride the Rails?
The public is invited to "Ride the Rails" on Saturday, July 30, to celebrate the historic Wood River Trail. People can bike, walk or blade on the paved trail, stopping off at courtesy stations along the way at Broadway Run, East Fork and at the north end of Buttercup Road, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for beverages and snacks.
New this year, kids can enjoy added fun at "East Fork Station" by jumping in the bounce house, enjoying lemonade and snacks, and making chalk drawings in a designated section along the path.
Weed-eating goats will be on hand to pet. Representatives from Pesticide Action Network of Blaine County and Ray Holes, the contractor managing the goats, will be available to answer questions about goats and other nontoxic weed control methods.
Participants will enjoy free giveaways, including bike bells, water bottles and day passes to the BCRD Aquatic Center and FitWorks.
"Ride the Rails" showcases the history of the old Union Pacific Railroad right of way, which was paved beginning in 1984 when a $1.7 million bond issue was passed. The trail is groomed for classic and skate skiing in the winter.
For more information about the event, call the Blaine County Recreation District at 578-2273.
Fire expands on Salmon-Challis
Heavy afternoon winds pushed the Indian Fire to an estimated 500 acres Tuesday in the steep, rugged Salmon River breaks 1.5 miles northeast of Indianola, near North Fork.
A total of 155 firefighters and support personnel are assigned to the fire. Four air tankers and three helicopters made drops. No structures are currently threatened.
Firefighters and resources on the three remaining staffed fires in the Central Idaho Dispatch area have completed their work and will be demobilized today. The fires include the 1.5-acre Ditch Fire 10 miles north of North Fork, the one-acre Lick Fire eight miles north of North Fork and the two-acre Mill Fire 12 miles southwest of Challis.
Sawtooth Music Festival sets lineup
The Sawtooth Music festival will take place Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30, in Stanley.
Pioneer Park will once again be the venue, with camping, food, crafts and music. Camping gates will open Friday at 5 p.m. and festival gates will open at 6 p.m. with music from 7-11:30 p.m. provided by Screen Door Porch, Fox Street All Stars and More Than Lights.
On Saturday, all gates will open at 8 a.m., with music from noon until 12 p.m. provided by New Transit, Shook Twins, Blvd Park, Panhandle Polecats, Jonathan Warren & the Billygoats, Sera Cahoone, Free Peoples, Viva Voce, Fire Kittens, and Langhorne Slim.
