- from staff reports

NRCS receives additional funds for habitat program

Rich Sims, a state conservationist with the United Stated Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, announced Wednesday that Idaho received an additional appropriation of $570,000 for the 2008 Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program.

NRCS will accept enrollment applications for the 2008 WHIP until June 20. The voluntary program helps private landowners develop and improve wildlife habitat on private land. The program's focus is on threatened and endangered species as well as other "species of concern." One Idaho priority is sage grouse, Sims said.

For more information: contact your local USDA Service Center, listed in the telephone book under U.S. Department of Agriculture, or your local conservation district. Information also is available online at http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/.

USDA to relocate Rupert office to T.F.

The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development office in Rupert will be closed on June 30.

The Rupert staff will be relocated to Twin Falls as part of a nationwide effort to reduce costs and streamline services.

Manuel A. (Tony) Ballestero will join the Rural Development staff in the Twin Falls USDA Service Center effective July 1, where he will continue to service the Mini-Cassia area from the Central Idaho Area Office at 1441 Fillmore St., Suite C in Twin Falls. Ballestero will retain a Rupert-area telephone number of 208-670-1815 while the Twin Falls-area number will be 208-733-5280, Ext. 106.

Navy, INL agreement extended past 2035

U.S. Navy nuclear operations at the Idaho National Laboratory have been extended past 2035, state and federal officials announced Wednesday.

The Navy began operations at INL in 1949, constructing the first nuclear submarine prototype for the USS Nautilus. In following decades, the Navy built other prototypes and conducted training for personnel to operate reactors for submarines and surface ships. Current operations focus on spent fuel examination and preparation for disposal in a repository outside Idaho.

Amending a 1995 agreement, the revision "renews Idaho's critical role in supporting nuclear energy and the Navy's security mission," Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter said.

The Navy also announced plans to refurbish its Idaho facilities for long-term operations.

M-C Dems hold officer election

The Mini-Cassia Democrats will hold an election of officers at when they meet at 7 p.m., tonight at the Paul Fire Hall.

The election meets the Idaho Democrats' requirement to hold elections within 10 days of the Idaho primary.

Information: Bill Rice, 431-9361.

Arts Council seeks volunteers for Jazz in the Canyon

The Magic Valley Arts Council and Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce are looking for a few volunteers to help at this year's 10th Annual Jazz in the Canyon Weekend, June 13-15. Proceeds from the jazz festival are used to develop programs locally for community members and businesses.

Those interested in volunteering for the event can call 208-734-ARTS(2787) for available volunteer slots. Tickets are on sale now as well. For more information, including the festival line-up: http://www.magicvalleyartscouncil.org/jazzincanyon/jitcindex.htm.

Forest Service to begin helicopter operations for Castle Rock

As part of continuing treatment for areas burned in August by the Castle Rock Fire, the U.S. Forest Service plans to start helicopter operations for hill slope treatments within the Warm Springs drainage.

Wood and straw mulch will be applied to approximately 400 acres by helicopter within the burned region. Areas including Wander's Way, Bald Mountain Perimeter, West Fork Warm Springs and Eve Gulch trails and areas adjacent to hill slope treatments may be closed from June 6 until June 15. Closures will be posted at trailheads and at the Ketchum Ranger District.

Helicopter operations are set to begin on June 7 and last for five days. Typically, aerial operations will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. depending upon weather conditions and maintenance schedules. People using the Ketchum-Featherville road should expect short delays and take extra precautions to avoid staging areas during operations. The Forest Service advises the public not to go near any of the treatment areas during that time. Forest Service personnel will be available near staging areas to answer questions.

Heavy truck traffic bringing large quantities of wood and straw mulch needed for restoration has begun and will continue until June 10. All restoration activities should be implemented by June 15.

DEQ seeks public comment on storm water discharges

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is seeking public comment on its draft water quality certification of a federal permit regulating storm water discharges from construction activities.

The draft version of the construction general permit (CGP) retains five conditions DEQ placed on the 2003 CGP, with slight modifications, to assure that activities authorized under the CGP comply with state water quality standards. Provided the certification conditions are met and all permit provisions are complied with, DEQ proposes to certify that the CGP offers reasonable assurances that the discharges will comply with state water quality standards.

The draft certification document is available for review at DEQ's State Office and in PDF format at http://www.deq.idaho.gov/public/comment.cfm. Written comment on the draft certification will be accepted through 5 p.m. June 29.

Comments can be submitted online or by contacting Johnna Sandow, DEQ State Office, Water Quality Division, 1410 N. Hilton, Boise, ID 83706; fax: (208) 373-0576, e-mail: johnna.sandow@deq.idaho.gov.

IEC officials announce public meetings

Idaho Energy Complex representatives will hold two public meetings during the next two weeks to discuss their plans to build a 1,600-megawatt nuclear reactor in Elmore County.

The first meeting will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Mountain Home Junior High School Gym, 1600 East Sixth S. in Mountain Home. The second will be at the same time on June 16 at the Glenns Ferry Opera House, 208 East Idaho Ave. in Glenns Ferry. Boise City Councilman Jim Tibbs will moderate the meetings.

The IEC will be a $4.5 billion advanced nuclear reactor with low cooling water requirements located in southern Elmore County. The plant will also include a biofuels component, using excess reactor heat to produce fuels from local agricultural waste and crops. Company officials plan to submit a Combined Operating License Application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2009. The approval process is expected to take three years and cost $80 million. Construction could begin as soon as 2012 and finish with power generation beginning in late 2016.

For more information: http://www.idahoenergycomplex.com.