TWIN FALLS, ID -We’re sick of it - and we know you are too! The blight of shot up junk trashing our public lands has plagued many a recreationist, rangeland management specialist, wildlife biologist and all who enjoy the amazing vistas our public lands offer. The Bureau of Land Management is raising awareness of this cultural problem through its Don’t Dump Idaho campaign.
Recently, Twin Falls District BLM Law Enforcement Officer Jeff Knisley joined Twin Falls County Sheriff Tom Carter at a site just north of Balanced Rock littered with yard waste, a dead refrigerator, vacuum, wire, and oodles of spent shell casings. Their message? There are 14 sites around the Magic Valley managed by Southern Idaho Solid Waste where this kind of garbage belongs - not on public land. Check out their video: https://youtu.be/XkmpnPgHp1Y
Federal statutes specify fines of up to $1,000 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment for dumping trash and debris on public land. Illegally dumped trash sites are investigated and offenders held responsible.
Littering on public or private property within the State of Idaho is an infraction and multiple convictions can lead to a fine up to $1000, 30 days imprisonment with the possibility of eight to 40 hours of litter cleanup (Idaho Statute 18-7031 ).
Judging from the amount of trash that is dumped annually on Idaho’s public lands, it’s tempting to think nobody cares. But people do care-Idaho’s sagebrush lands are part of America’s unique western heritage and home to hundreds of species of animals and plants.
If you see a dump site, please contact the Bureau of Land Management email: BLM_ID_DontDumpIdaho@blm.gov phone: 1-844-327-5572 (toll-free) or 208-373-4096. In south-central Idaho, call SIRCOMM at 208-735-1911 or BLM Law Enforcement at 208-735-4600.
Visit our website for more information and stories: www.dontdumpidaho.com.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
