Featured mission: Documenting OSV use in Idaho backcountry

Photo by Michael Short and George Gehrig

Last month, LightHawk partnered with the Inland Empire Task Force and WildEarth Guardians to document the use of over-snow vehicles (OSVs) in remote areas and the potential impact they are having on local wildlife. This mission was particularly important as large areas such as northern Idaho's Cabinet Mountains have rarely been surveyed for snow tracks. Despite this, the Forest Service is considering the designation of areas and trails for the use of these vehicles.

The use of over-snow vehicles (OSV) is noticeably increasing for recreational use in different parts of the country. During winter months, enthusiasts travel to remote places such as the mountains of the Selkirks and the Cabinets in northwest Montana and the northern portion of the Idaho Panhandle due to their remoteness and abundant snow.

Photo by Michael Short and George Gehrig

The flight showed extensive OSV use of remote areas and documented entry into areas that do not allow motorized use. Partner Adam Rissien, the Re-Wilding Manager for WildEarth Guardians said, "Photos taken are being used to comment on Kaniksu Winter Rec Environmental Assessment, as well as to educate our supporters, decision-makers and reporters about the need to better manage OSV use."

The increase in demand for these remote places has increased the pressure to high elevation winter wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolverines, and Canada lynx. Adding to that pressure, the snow line has receded and the season has shortened, mainly due to climate change.

Photo by Michael Short and George Gehrig

OSVs can harass wildlife in these delicate ecosystems, increasing their stress levels and, in some cases, cause  them to leave the area during a time of year when they need to conserve energy. Grizzly bears, for example, hibernate during this time and OSV disturbances can make them interrupt this important part of their lifecycle. In the case of wolverines, these animals give birth during February and March, overlapping the peak of OSV season. Disturbance created by these vehicles can make them abandon their dens and pups, impacting an already depleted population.

The flight was conducted by Rick Durden, who not only provided great support during the flight, but also "watched the weather closely and chose the right day, after a busy weekend which allowed documentation of high levels of OSV use along with incredible photos of the Selkirks and Cabinets', mentioned Paul Sieracki from Inland Empire Task Force.

Photo by Michael Short and George Gehrig