Letter to Idaho Senators about BLM Permits

[Timber Butte Outdoors]

Feds Extend Comment Period On Idaho Wolf Derby
www.grandviewoutdoors.com/articles/4953-feds-extend-comment-period-on-idaho-wolf-derby#sthash.gRnxDrVh.dpbs

Honorable Senator,

My name is Gary Mathews. I am the owner of 2 Idaho Companies, One of which is a Club called Idaho Varmint Hunters, Inc. (IVH) A General Non-Profit Organization.

We have recently been contacted by the BLM Office, informing us that we will have to beginning in the New Year, to purchase Permits for us to have our tournaments.

Please read the article in the link above. The wolf hunt in the article was approved by a Judge as not to be illegal, but BLM and Forest Service want to TAX The Group for holding a tournament.

IVH Coyote Calling Tournaments are not held or conducted on OUR Public Lands, Yes the contestants do use OUR Public Lands to call coyotes, which is up to them, and it is their right to use the lands as they see fit.

All of our tournaments are held on Private Land, usually they are conducted at the Gem County Fair Grounds, or at the Nampa Sportsmens Warehouse.

The contestants are allowed to hunt anywhere that it is legal to do so, whether public or private, in any State they want, as long as they are able to return to the checking site before the cut off time.

My partner and I want to know why we would have to buy a permit for us and our hunters to use our land.
What about the rest of the hunters, what about Big Buck, and Big Bull contests, what about the Off Road Clubs, what about the Horse groups, etc......??

Our Club (Idaho Varmint Hunters, Inc) (IVH) has organized and completed several BLM Clean Up Days, where we have picked up and removes nearly 7 TONS of Trash & Tires (including a fiberglass boat) from OUR BLM Grounds.

And before that, I alone, personally filled the bed my pickup to the top of cab with trash, and debris, couches, chairs, shot up stoves and refrigerators, shot up TV's, computers, monitors, etc...

This is an encroachment on our right to use OUR Land, It needs to be stopped, and the Feds kicked out of Idaho. Lets take our Land back and run it right here in Idaho.

You may contact myself or my partner Loren Lunsford and anytime. My phone number is listed above, Lorens # is 602-620-3606

My brother is Mike Mathews, State Director, Twin Falls District Office, for Senator Risch. I have contacted him to set the ball in motion with Senator Risch's Office, You can contact him also at anytime for more info.

Please Help us stop this attack on our rights.

Gary Mathews
Idaho Varmint Hunters Inc. Owner
Timber Butte Outdoors Owner

[Timber Butte Outdoors]

PLEASE WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE ONE THAT IS A HUNTER, SHOOTER, FISHERMAN, BACKPACKKER, 4 WHEELER, ATV RIDER, ETC...... TO PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! WRITE OR CALL YOUR SENATORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND THE BLM AND FOREST SERVICE, ABOUT STOPPING THE PERMIT PURCHASING.

THESE LANDS ARE OUR LANDS, WE PAY FOR THEM EVERYDAY BY OUR TAX DOLLARS, WE OWN THEM, NOT THE BLM, THEY ARE JUST MANAGERS, MANAGE THE LAND, THAT IS THEIR JOBS, THAT GOES FOR FOREST SERVICE ALSO.

BLM Contact Info:
Jim Fincher
District Manager
3948 Development Avenue
Boise, ID. 83705

Main Contact Number: 208-384-3300
Boise District Office

Name Title Phone Number Email Address
Acarregui, Steven V GS0401 - Assistant Fire Management Officer [phone] [e-mail]
Alexander, Bryce D GS0455 - Lead Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Alleman, Janelle C GS0482 - Fish Biologist [phone] [e-mail]
Almeida, Eduardo C GS0455 - Lead Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Anderson, Joanne M GS0303 - Fire Program Assistant [phone] [e-mail]
Anglin, Brian W GS0462 - Forest Technician [phone] [e-mail]
Aquiso, Antonio W WG5716 - Engineering Equipment Operator [phone] [e-mail]
Aquiso, Wylee R GS0455 - Supervisory Wildland Firefighter [phone] [e-mail]
Ashby, Caleb E. GS0455 -Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) (LTCS) [phone] [e-mail]
Azzarito, Benjamin J GS0455 - Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Bachman, Nikki S GS1105 - Purchasing Agent [phone] [e-mail]
Baird, Cathy L GS0455 - Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Barnes, Kelli E GS0193 - Archeologist [phone] [e-mail]
Barnum, James M GS0454 - Rangeland Management Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Beck, Holly H GS0401 - Natural Resource Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Beck, Jonathan M GS0301 - Planning & Environmental Coordinator [phone] [e-mail]
Bennett, Robert J GS0455 - Range Technician (Weeds/ESR) [phone] [e-mail]
Betts, Aimee D K GS0340 - Associate District Manager [phone] [e-mail]
Betts, Daniel A GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Bilbao, Carrie E GS0455 - Range Technican (Prev & Mitigation) [phone] [e-mail]
Bilbao, Ray M GS0455 - Lead Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Bluma, Jeremy P GS1170 - Realty Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Boatman, Bryan W GG0455 - Lead Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Boeck, Justin H GS0401 - Fire Management Specialist (Planning) [phone] [e-mail]
Boltz, Michael J GS0454 - Rangeland Management Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Braun, Christa M GS0301 - GIS Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Brierley, Sheila A Archeology Technician [phone] [e-mail]
Buchanan, Marsha J GS0301 - Supervisory Administrative Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Budd, Nathan D GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Burke, William T GS0099 - Student Trainee (Safety & Occupational Health) [phone] [e-mail]
Byrne, Mary J GS1035 - Public Affairs Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Carpenter, Craig L GS0404 - Biological Science Tech (Plants) [phone] [e-mail]
Chandler, Loretta V GS0301 - Field Manager [phone] [e-mail]
Clay, Christopher L GS0301 - Supervisory GIS Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Clifford, Thomas J GS0023 - Outdoor Recreation Planner [phone] [e-mail]
Corbin, Elizabeth L GS0401 - Natural Resource Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Cromwell, Christopher W GS0455 - Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Deasy, Jason T GS0455 - Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Dehoney, Kelsey J GS0462 - Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch) [phone] [e-mail]
Delmas, Andrew R GS0401 - Fire Management Officer [phone] [e-mail]
Draheim, David L GS0023 - Outdoor Recreation Planner [phone] [e-mail]
Dubkowski, Daylon J GS0810 - Supervisory Civil Engineer [phone] [e-mail]
Espil, Martin M GS0454 - Rangeland Management Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Feeney, Heather A GS1035 - Supv Public Affairs Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Fincher, James M GS0340 - District Manager [phone] [e-mail]
Fischer, Tate D GS0340 - Field Manager [phone] [e-mail]
Flanigan, Seth L GS401 - NEPA Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Floyd, Todd R GS0401 - Supvy Wildland Fire Operations Spec [phone] [e-mail]
Fluckiger, Jared B GS0023 - Outdoor Recreation Planner [phone] [e-mail]
Forderhase, Barbara L GS1701 - Environmental Education Spec [phone] [e-mail]
Fritz, Cindy L GS0401 - Supervisory ESR Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Sarah C. Garcia Castro GS0454 - Rangeland Management Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Glineski III, Irvin E WL5716 - Engineering Equipment Operator Leader [phone] [e-mail]
Griggs, Forrest S GS1350 - Geologist [phone] [e-mail]
Halford, Anne S GS0430 - Botanist [phone] [e-mail]
Hall, Clifton R WG5716 - Engineering Equipment Operator [phone] [e-mail]
Hall, Dustin R GS0455 - Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Hannon, Lara K GS0408 - Ecologist [phone] [e-mail]
Harper, Edward E GG0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Haupt, Jon M GS0454 - Rangeland Mgmt Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Hislop, Leigh A GS0455 - Range Technician (Dispatch) [phone] [e-mail]
Hislop, Michael J WG5716 - Engineering Equipment Operator [phone] [e-mail]
Holderman, Jill C GS0486 - Wildlife Biologist [phone] [e-mail]
Homan, Ryan T GS0023 - Outdoor Recreation Planner [phone] [e-mail]
Huter, Lonnie R GS0401 - Weed Management Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Jablonski, Jared R GS0455 - Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Jenkins, Rebecca L GS0455 - Range Technician [phone] [e-mail]
Jimenez, Steven N GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Jost, Bradley F GS0486 - Wildlife Biologist [phone] [e-mail]
Keeler, David A GS1350 - Geologist [phone] [e-mail]
Kelley, William P GS0301 - Support Services Manager [phone] [e-mail]
Kershaw, Kathi G GS0301 - Resources Coordinator [phone] [e-mail]
Kidd, Cody L GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Knapton, Brandon L GS0301 - Resource Coordinator [phone] [e-mail]
Koleini, Kavian GS0408 - Ecologist [phone] [e-mail]
Kumiega, Karen A GS0193 - Archeologist [phone] [e-mail]
Leguineche, Amanda J GS0401 - Fire Management Specialist (Dispatch) [phone] [e-mail]
Lemberes, Magdalene GS0303 - Records Assistant [phone] [e-mail]
Lenhartzen, Valerie J GS1350 - Geologist [phone] [e-mail]
Leonard, Stephen P GS0401 - Natural Resources Specialist (WH&B) [phone] [e-mail]
Link, JacQueline B GS0455 - Range Technician Engine Crew leader [phone] [e-mail]
Lloyd, Terri T GS1101 - Property Management Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Lord, Colby Christian GS0455 - Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Loveless, Nicholas J GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Markham, Reed K WG5716 - Engineering Equipment Operator [phone] [e-mail]
Marolf, Douglas B GS2101 - Forest Aviation Manager [phone] [e-mail]
Marsh, Franklin J GS0460 - Forester [phone] [e-mail]
McAdams-Kunze, Karen M GS1170 - Realty Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
McCowan, Tyler C GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
McCoy, Matthew GS0340 - Assistant Field Manager [phone] [e-mail]
McDaniel, Michele F GS0340 - Assistant Field Manager [phone] [e-mail]
McGee, Kristiana M GS0303 - Range Assistant [phone] [e-mail]
McGee, Michael N GS0486 - Wildlife Biologist [phone] [e-mail]
McGinnis, Thomas W GS0408 - Ecologist [phone] [e-mail]
Mebane, Alan T GS0455 - Range Technician (Fire Dispatch) [phone] [e-mail]
Milan, Joseph D GS0401 - Natrl Res Speclst [phone] [e-mail]
Miller, Christopher A GS0455 - Range Technician (Fire Dispatch) [phone] [e-mail]
Moriarty, Kevin N GS0455 - Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Mork, Jeffrey A GS0301 - Trespass Program Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Neff, Brandon D GS0303 - Clerk [phone] [e-mail]
Neiwert, Lindsey J GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Nelson, Adam R WG5716 - Engineering Equipment Operator [phone] [e-mail]
Neville, Logan M GS0499 - Student Trainee (Rangeland) [phone] [e-mail]
Nichols, Dale P WS5716 - Engineering Equipment Operator Supervisor [phone] [e-mail]
Oke, Nicole K GS0462 - Forestry Technician - Dispatch [phone] [e-mail]
Okeson, Lance K GS0401 - Supervisory Fire Management Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Ostolasa-Mendiola, Danelle R GS0455 - Range Technician [phone] [e-mail]
Paffett, Kyle P GS1315 - Hydrologist [phone] [e-mail]
Palmgren, Lois M GS0193 - Archeologist [phone] [e-mail]
Porter, Michele E GS0301 - Geographic Information System Spec [phone] [e-mail]
Price, Stephen F GS0462 - Forestry Technician [phone] [e-mail]
Purdy, Matthew C GS462 - Forestry Technician [phone] [e-mail]
Raddatz, Raymond C GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Renz, Joshua J GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Ridenhour, Larry E GS0023 - Outdoor Recreation Planner [phone] [e-mail]
Rogan, Joseph F GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technican [phone] [e-mail]
Rojas, Benjamin I GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Roller, Patricia S GS0340 - Assistant Field Manager (NCA) [phone] [e-mail]
Ruffing, Tina M GS0454 - Supervisory Rangeland Management Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Russell, Brian T GG0455 - Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Ryerson, Michelle G GS0340 - Assistant Field Manager [phone] [e-mail]
Schell, Daniel J GS0455 - Range Technician (Fuels) [phone] [e-mail]
Schellenberg, Justin R GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Schmit, Loris L GS0965 - Land Law Examiner [phone] [e-mail]
Schoeberl, Bruce C GS0486 - Wildlife Biologist [phone] [e-mail]
Shaw, Dean C GS0193 - Archeologist [phone] [e-mail]
Sitz, Benjamin J GS0401 - Supervisory Wildland Fire Ops Spec [phone] [e-mail]
Slice, Bruce C GS0189 - Recreation Technician [phone] [e-mail]
Sonner, Terry K GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Sorensen, Matthew A GS0455 - Lead Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Sorensen, Tavis P GS0455 - Supervisory Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Spicer, Michael R GS0454 - Rangeland Management Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Steenhoven, Casey J GS0025 - Park Ranger [phone] [e-mail]
Steiger, Mark E GS0430 - Botanist [phone] [e-mail]
Sullivan, John C GS0301 - Supervisory Resource Management Spec [phone] [e-mail]
Tarter, James A GS0401 - Natrl Res Speclst [phone] [e-mail]
Thrift, Tanya M GS0340 - Field Manager [phone] [e-mail]
Tindall, Lisa N GS0343 - Management & Program Analyst [phone] [e-mail]
Torma, Peter A GS0454 - Rangeland Management Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Towne, Theresa A GS0303 - Range Assistant [phone] [e-mail]
Trevino Jr, Raul GS0455 - Range Technician [phone] [e-mail]
Valle, Adolfo E GS0455 - Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Watkins, Joan A GS0560 - Budget Analyst [phone] [e-mail]
Webb, Alexander S GS0401 - ESR Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Weldon, Joseph M GS0486 - Wildlife Biologist [phone] [e-mail]
White Bull, Katie J GS1170 - Realty Specialist [phone] [e-mail]
Wontorcik, Carrie E GS0819 - Environmental Engineer [phone] [e-mail]
Woodruff, Dan E GS0455 - Range Technician [phone] [e-mail]
Worthington, Evan E GS0025 - Park Ranger [phone] [e-mail]
Wyatt, Courtney M GS0455 - Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Yates, Wilson Q GG0455 - Range Technician (Fire) [phone] [e-mail]
Yiengst, Trina M GS0962 - Contact Representative [phone] [e-mail]

US Forest Service Boise Contact:
Boise National Forest
1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200
Boise, ID 83709
[phone]
Email Link: www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/boise/about-forest/contactus

Contact all of these people, we need to dump on them, send so many email, and make so many calls they will be swamped with calls. Let them know what you feel is wrong with us having to pay to use OUR Lands. Taxes are not enough money for them!!!

[72camaro]

Government getting bigger. Hard to stop the train. Good luck guys.

[Timber Butte Outdoors]

I am talking to 2 Idaho Senator's Offices. Senator Risch and Senator Crapo. If you would like to call or write, my contacts are Mike Mathews - Senator Risch Office in Twin Falls (208-734-6780), and Layne Bangerter in Senator Crapo's Office (208-334-1776).

Expecting to talk to other Senator's and Representatives, Federal and Idaho State.

Please contact BLM to voice your disapproval of Organizations and Businesses having to buy Permits to allow people to hunt and recreate on OUR BLM Lands.

Gary

[earthwalker]

None of the people you have listed can or will help with anything as they are all low on the pole type people.
You need to contact Risch and Crapo and so forth.
People who write polciy.

[Timber Butte Outdoors]

earthwalker,

My brother is Senator Risch's State Director, so I have contacted him, also we have a friend that works for Senator Crapo, that I have been in contact with.

My brother has also talked to Representative Labrador about this, and I have sent a letter to him also.

I have also contacted Senator Simpson by letter. He returned my letter with an answer, he said his office could not afford to help us. He said that this was a District 1 issue, not a District 2 issue. I am sorry but this is a National issue, and all of Idaho issue.

What about States such as: Wyoming, that is 90% Public Land, Montana, Neveada, Oregon, Washington, Utah, California has 15.2 million acres or 15% of it's surface land.

We are working on this issue as hard as we can, with a great deal of hope, we can get it stopped for all American citizens.

Gary

[earthwalker]

Simpson is all about himself period.
It's about all states and public land.
The law has always been on the books. As the government wants/needs more money they will start looking closer and closer at this issue and start coming for anyone who uses their(public land) as a commerical interprise (making money).

[Timber Butte Outdoors]

Last Wednesday, Loren and I got to sit in a Congressional Delegation Meeting with BLM at Senator Crapo's Office.

There were Delegates from 3 Senators Offices - Crapo, Risch, Labrador.

The meeting went well. Loren and I were asked questions, and we got to voice our concerns and disapproval, on the permits. We also got to ask questions of the BLM, which I didn't find answered satisfactorily, although; I think we made progress in the issue, with the help of the Congressional Delegation and the Senators allowing the Delegation to speak for them.

This is what Mike from Risch's Office said after the meeting:
"The Congressional Delegation delivered a strong message to the BLM at the meeting on Wednesday. We will have to see how they respond!"

Loren, Myself, IVH, and all American Citizens of the USA, that uses BLM Public Land, would like to send out a warm, heart felt "Thank You!!!!" for your assistance in this matter.

Gary Mathews
IVH Owner/Founder/Sec/Tres/Hunter

[72camaro]

Nice you could be there. I think it goes a long ways with citizens showing up to things like that. Really, good job!

[earthwalker]

Now you're getting to the heart.

[broper]

I contacted the senator's. Got an answer from Risch. He thanked me for contacting him and said he valued my opinions. Typical canned answer. Haven't heard from anybody else.

[idahosongdogger]

Gary,

Let me start by saying I'd like to help. I agree with you and would also like to see OUR lands managed in a way that allows us to use them as we see fit without permits or permission. I have had my own grievances regarding use of lands right here in the Magic Valley. My hold up with being involved is lack of knowledge...ignorance...regarding the issues. Weeding through thousands of pages online to piece together a big picture of what an agency's agenda is can be impossible and discouraging, and said agencies certainly don't make it easy. Sure it is available, but a guy has to know where and how to find it...then you gotta speak legalese to interpret it.

I once had a lengthy conversation with Gary Hompland regarding F&G management of wildlife in Idaho, and it was really eye opening for me. The job they do is certainly challenging at face value alone, but knowing all the agencies involved and who they have to please was mind boggling. One of his biggest hangups was that the bulk of their funding came through hunting licenses and tag fees, but they have to manage the wildlife for everyone..even non-hunters (Non license holders). That means they might spend 20 million dollars to manage a population of non-game birds simply because the bird watchers want to look at it. The problem is, these bird-watchers pay NO fees or licenses for that privilege. So essentially, hunters are paying all the expenses to support bird watching, tree hugging, etc. So then the fees have to go up to make up for the deficits and increasing costs.

He went on to explain that they have a huge book (I saw it...6" thick) with the actual laws, regulations rules, addendums, etc, that exist just for F&G, and how all that has to be condensed into a couple dumbed down 80 page Regulation manuals for us, making it impossible to cover every rule in detail. This after I wanted to see specific wording regarding some ambiguous rules in the Regs. Anyway, I realize these are totally separate issues, but it was interesting to me to hear, having had no prior knowledge, about how their funding came about and how it was distributed.

So what is the bigger issue here...and which battle is the right one to fight? I believe management of lands, wildlife, etc comes with a cost...obviously. Would it be a more prudent use of energy and resources to fight the fees and permits, or should we focus more efforts toward getting the other users of our resources to share the financial burden? I don't know the right answer and would love to hear some insight from people who know more than me about how BLM, Div. of Forestry, etc get and utilize their funding. Maybe someone knows of an agency elsewhere who has it right?

Anyway, please let me know what I can do to help and keep posting these things...its the only way we can stay informed about issues we face as sportsmen.


Cheers,

Idahosongdogger

[Timber Butte Outdoors]

This is a letter that Robert Roper (A concerned Idaho Citizen & IVH Member & and active varmint hunter)received from Senator Crapo, on his concerns with the Permitting Issue with BLM

January 8, 2015,

Robert Roper

I finally got a response from Sen. Crapo, here it is.

Dear Robert: Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding recreation fees and permits for public lands use.

I agree and welcome the opportunity to respond. As you may know, the 2004 Federal Lands Recreational Enhancement Act gives the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) authority to institute and increase permitting fees on public lands. Currently, the BLM requires a permitting fee for any commercial, competitive or otherwise organized group activity on public lands. According to the BLM, these taxes seek to ensure that the costs of protecting natural resources and maintaining management facilities are appropriately allocated among users. The debate regarding the management of public lands in western states is decades old, and all too often these taxes inhibit the way of life for law-abiding Idahoans whose livelihood has depended on these lands for hunting, trapping and grazing for generations.

To that effect, I have made it a priority of mine in Congress to alleviate the pressure that these unjust taxes continue to place on Idahoans. I sponsored the Fee Repeal and Expanded Access Act aimed at rescinding the BLM’s authority to establish any recreational access taxes and revert to fee guidelines authorized in the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. Unfortunately, this bill did not receive the needed support to be brought before the full Senate before the adjournment of the 113th Congress. It will need to be reintroduced in the 114th Congress to receive further consideration.

As an avid outdoorsman and legislator, I remain opposed to user-fees that limit access to public lands. I am firm in my support of open access and multiple-use land management for our public lands. Mandatory permitting fees undermine the notion that public lands are held in the trust of the American people, and limit access to those who can afford the cost. Please rest assured I will continue to oppose the imposition of unreasonable user fees for access to public lands and support efforts to safeguard public use of our natural resources.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please feel free to contact me in the future on this or other matters of interest to you. For more information about the issues before the U.S. Senate as well as news releases, photos, and other items of interest, please visit my Senate website, crapo.senate.gov.

Sincerely,
Mike Crapo
United States Senator