Background:

The Rudeen Ranch property is a 2,450-acre parcel that includes sage steppe, coniferous woodland, and aspen grove habitats.  It was purchased in conjunction with the Southern Idaho Wildlife Mitigation Project (NWPPC proposal 1995-057-02).  This acquisition is estimated to provide BPA with 2,002 habitat units (HUs) of mitigation credit toward the Minidoka (1,596 HUs) and Palisades (406 HUs) wildlife mitigation debt.  A breakdown of HUs by target species follows:

Species Habitat Units Hydropower Project
Ruffed Grouse 317 Palisades
Wintering Bald Eagle 89 Palisades
Mule Deer 1596 Minidoka

Location:

The Rudeen Ranch project is located in Power County Idaho approximately 7 miles southeast of American Falls, Idaho.  It includes portions of Sections 25, 27, 34, 35, and 36 Township 8 South, Range 31 East, portions of Section 30, Township 8 South, Range 32 East, portions of Sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12 and 13, Township 9 South, Range 31 East, and portions of Sections 5 and 8, Township 9 South, Range 32 East. The project totals 2,450.38 acres.

Project Goal:

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes will continue to work with IDFG and BLM to finalize off-road vehicle management plans for the property.  Native plant restoration, noxious weed control and fencing activities will continue to protect and enhance the wildlife habitat values on the property.