Boise sits along the Pacific Flyway and protected migratory birds nesting along the Boise River and in Foothills habitat fall under federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act jurisdiction, with Idaho Fish and Game enforcing state nest-disturbance rules and the city restricting removal of active nests on public trees.
The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits taking, possessing, or disturbing protected birds, eggs, or active nests without a federal permit. Idaho Code §36-1101 mirrors many protections at the state level. Boise's Tree Code under Title 8 directs Forestry to schedule pruning outside nesting season for sensitive species and to assess active nests before public-tree work. Private landowners are not exempt from federal MBTA rules; tree removal during nesting season requires nest survey by a qualified biologist if active nests are observed. Heron rookeries along the Boise River receive special protection during the spring nesting period.
MBTA misdemeanor violations carry up to $15,000 federal fines and six months imprisonment; Idaho state penalties include license revocation and restitution costs.
Boise, ID
Removing a tree on private property in Boise generally does not require a permit, but street trees in the public right-of-way and Protected Trees under the H...
Boise, ID
Boise recognizes significant trees through its Urban Forestry program, though it does not have a formal heritage tree ordinance with the same legal protectio...
See how Boise's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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