habitat improvement program

BOPP has expanded its commitment to protecting and enhancing native habitats within the NCA. We are working with local partners to increase capacity & support for habitat improvement projects throughout the Treasure Valley.

We have always had a passion for the native landscapes that support one of the most remarkable assemblages of birds of prey in the world and make our favorite NCA truly unique. Now we are taking thoughtful and significant steps to not only protect intact high-quality habitat, but to also improve areas impacted by fire, irresponsible recreational activities, over-grazing, an other forms of disturbance. We’re focusing on increasing native plant community diversity and improving site resiliency though multiple, science-based management and restoration techniques and activities. We’re also learning a tremendous amount in the process, thanks to our outstanding agency and community partners!

Orchard combat training center native habitat restoration project

We were recently awarded a NEEF grant to plan a series of seed collecting and planting days, which we regularly announce through our social media channels - Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Volunteers have the opportunity to engage in all aspects of native plant propagation and habitat improvement projects from seed collection, cleaning and sorting, seed tray planting, seedling care and maintenance, and plant installation on the landscape.

This project is part of a larger effort to restore a 1200-acre area of shrub-steppe habitat within the Orchard Combat Training Center and NCA that was recently impacted by fire.

Through these public outreach events, participants will have the opportunity to engage in all aspects of native plant propagation and habitat improvement from seed collection, cleaning & sorting, seed tray planting, seedling care & maintenance, and plant installation on the landscape. No experience is required!

Project Background

National Environmental Education Foundation 2023 National Public Lands Day Department of Defense Award In commemoration of National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the Department of Defense (DoD), through the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Environment and Energy Resilience and the Legacy Resource Management Program, is funding NPLD projects on military lands that are open for recreation. 

For the 2023 grant, the DoD asked applicants to think creatively and strategically about how they can positively impact the environment and help participants to learn about these lands and their natural and cultural resources. The aim was to provide funding to selected installations to implement projects focusing on pollinator protection, climate resilience, restoration, and conservation management.

Other projects

Native Youth for Habitat Restoration

This project provides habitat restoration training and education for native youth from the Duck Valley Reservation.

Youth will participate and learn about all components of habitat restoration from seed collection, seed cleaning, propagation, and installation, while helping to enhance existing BLM restoration site in the Morley Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.

Ferruginous Hawk Nest Monitoring

We are conducting long-term ferruginous hawk nest monitoring in and around the NCA. These efforts are facilitated by internships provided through the MILES Undergraduate Research and Internships program. 

By identifying and regularly motioning nest sites, this project is contributing to USFWS and USGS research on ferruginous hawk ecology, as well as facilitating BLM educational field trips and banding activities.

National Public Lands Day

In late September 2021, our incredible BLM NCA staff, led by Ecologist Ann Marie Raymondi, hosted a native plant installation project at Dedication Point, not only to celebrate National Public Lands Day (NPLD - 24th of September, 2021), but also the 75th Anniversary of the BLM. Over 700 native shrubs and forbs were planted by over 25 volunteers as part of a multi-year restoration project at the NCA’s most visited site. The large amount of rainfall the area received in the days following the NPLD planting gave an important head start to all the new plants.

Native Perspectives 

This project introduced students from the Duck Valley Reservation to the NCA. The BOPP coordinated a field trip to Dedication Point and Celebration Park, where students, tribal elders, and BLM and BOPP staff discussed the wildlife and landscape features that make the NCA unique.

During the field trip, tribal elders and students had the opportunity to discuss native perspectives on concepts like conservation and sustainability.