Talkin' terse on the Nez Perce

The days are flying by here in Idaho, and I'm loving the setting: Rolling hills, carved up by steep valleys, with rivers and streams in all directions. Yesterday I went with some colleagues to the Red River ranger district, based out of Elk City, which used to be a timber and mining town. The town is at the end of a long and winding road from Grangeville, and has definitely seen better days. What it still really has going for it are nice forests full of wildlife & hotsprings, endless trails, and gorgeous rivers and streams full of fish.

We were there to begin rolling out a new travel management plan, where roads will go from being open to vehicles unless otherwise posted to closed unless otherwise posted. Where we've done this in other parts of the country locals have usually grumbled heartily, and the Elk City Dust Devils will probably not appreciate the new rules either. But, it's got to be done...

After work I went on a great walk with fellow biologist Dana and her black lab along a long ridgetop overlooking the Clearwater River. Ahhhh..... Very nice.