Builder obtains ‘green’ designation
Brian Poster of Poster Construction has completed his requirements to become a Master Certified Green Builder. The National Association of Home Builders sponsors the program. Poster said he is the first builder in Idaho to achieve this designation.
Hunting tag results now online
Hunters who applied for elk, deer, pronghorn, fall turkey or black bear controlled hunts can check online to see whether they were successful in a recent computerized drawing.
Results and information are available at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.
Postcards will be mailed to successful applicants around July 10. Winners must buy controlled-hunt tags by Aug. 1. Unclaimed and leftover tags from the first drawing will be available in a second application period from Aug. 5-15.
Bike coalition to hold fundraiser
Ride Sun Valley will kick of the week’s festivities with an opening party and fundraiser for the Wood River Bike Coalition at the Sawtooth Brewery tonight, June 28, beginning at 5 p.m.
Sun Valley Shimano Super Enduro racers can also register and pick up their race packets at this event on the eve of the kickoff for the first enduro race ever in Sun Valley.
There will be music, beer and raffle/auction items to benefit the bike coalition.
More information on Ride Sun Valley can be found at www.ridesunvalley.com. Volunteers for the week are still needed. Contact emily@sunvalleyevents.com.
The weed-eating bugs are back
The Southern Idaho Bug Crew is back for another season and is looking for noxious weeds to attack with its insect army. The crew is focusing primarily on Dalmatian toadflax and Canada thistle this month because of their vigorous growth during cold weather.
This free service, which serves both public and private lands, is sponsored by the BLM, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Anyone who would like help controlling a noxious weed infestation can call Bronwyn Patterson Nickel of the Blaine County Weed Department at 788-5516 or Eric McHan of the Blaine Bug Crew at (208) 316-0355.
Drones help protect pygmy rabbits
From June 27-29, scientists are conducting fly‐overs by small, unmanned aerial vehicles over BLM-managed land in Lemhi County to better understand the habitat needs of pygmy rabbits. Pygmy rabbits are typically found in areas of tall, dense sagebrush cover. They are highly dependent on sagebrush to provide both food and shelter throughout the year. Their diet in the winter consists of up to 99 percent sagebrush.
The Salmon‐-Challis National Forest and the University of Idaho have been working under a cooperative agreement to conduct research and better understand pygmy rabbit habitat since 2003.
The robotic aircraft are hand-launched, weigh about 14 pounds and have a 7- to 9-foot wingspan. According to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service, the goal is to determine whether the aircraft’s camera is able to capture images that measure concealment of rabbits from predators and quality of food provided by the sagebrush.
The work aims to create maps of habitat quality that will be matched with patterns of habitat use.
Church has new summer schedule
Valley of Peace Lutheran Church in Hailey has changed its schedule of services, Pastor Jerry Reinke announced earlier this month. Sunday school will be at 8:30 a.m. and worship will be at 9:30 a.m. throughout the summer.
Several camp counselors from Camp Perkins will be preparing Bible study and worship materials for children each Sunday throughout the summer. They will then return to Camp Perkins, near Smiley Creek, to welcome new campers to summer camp. In August, Camp Perkins staff will present a weeklong vacation Bible School.
For more information, contact Reinke at (208) 221-4114.
Higher Ground, Y become partners
Higher Ground Sun Valley recreation program staff moved into new office space at the Wood River Community Y in Ketchum last week as part of a shared effort between the two organizations to increase collaboration and maximize recreation services for the Wood River Valley.
“Together, we will have the ability to impact the lives of more kids and families in order to truly strengthen the foundation of our community, said Jason Fry, CEO of the Y.
Higher Ground Sun Valley serves locals and visitors with disabilities, severely injured service members and is the local affiliate for the Special Olympics. The Wood River Community Y has provided community-based programming for thousands of children and families in the Wood River Valley.
“With how perfectly our missions and programming align, the partnership is a no-brainer,” said Liz Clark, health director at the Y.
For more information, contact Kate Weihe at 726-9298 or kate@highergroundsv.org.
