![\"IMG_6566\"](\"https:\/\/dev-clm-blog.pantheonsite.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/IMG_6566.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nI work in a crew that collects plant canopy measurements using point intercept transects. We also do stem counts on forbs that constitute an important part sage grouse habitat. The forbs are starting to flower more now too.<\/p>\n
A lot of my time is spent driving to the field sites in our truck, but I\u2019ve become really familiar with the more rural and agricultural areas (possibly where they grow potatoes?) on the city outskirts. This week I\u2019ve been up in the mountains of the \u201cDiamond A\u201d allotment of BLM land. The mountains are still snow-capped, and although with the cold, rain and snow you can tell that the area is a very harsh living environment; it has a rugged beauty that makes it breath taking to work in. While out in the field I saw my first badger ever and a golden eagle. I also met some of the ranchers driving cattle through the pastures on their horses (looking every bit like cowboys from old westerns, haha), which was really cool. It was pretty rainy and cold, so we had to return into town earlier than planned, but the weather this coming week is supposed to be much better.<\/p>\n Twin Falls continues to be a nice and quiet city to live in and I\u2019ve had the opportunity to travel a bit more around the area, including the Magic Reservoir, Sun Valley and Balanced Rock, the latter of which is literally an Idaho-shaped rock balanced on a cliff on the road next to one of the field sites. Next week I will be heading back out into the \u201cDiamond A\u201d for another week of camping and habitat assessment. Can\u2019t wait!!<\/p>\n Maria Paula<\/p>\n Twin Falls Jarbidge Field Office<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Hello everyone, Just finished up my first week doing vegetation monitoring and camping! Working at the Jarbidge Field Office has been really fun and I\u2019ve learned a lot so far-especially about how an agency like the BLM functions and the … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n