Payette NF Disaster Relief Fence Reconstruction

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.