Feds May OK Helicopter Landings in the Frank Church Wilderness
Today, the USFS could approve a request by Idaho Fish and Game to land helicopters in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.
Ship Island Lake in the Frank Church
The U.S. Forest Service could today approve a request from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to land helicopters in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness to put radio collars on wolves.
Approval of the landings in such a remote area would be certain to rile environmental groups, many of whom Regional Forester Harv Forsgren visited personally within the last week to inform of his intentions.
It’s the second time since 2005 that Fish and Game has proposed the landings. Under federal law, it’s already allowed to fly over the area. The state is asking to touch down up to 20 times in the wilderness to put collars on up to 12 wolves. At least one official has argued the department has authority to land, even without federal permission.
