Forest plan up for review

MIKE McLEAN

Hagadone News Network

COEUR d'ALENE — A proposed forest plan revision highlights desired conditions with emphasis on fish, water, wildlife and vegetation for Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

But most questions and comments at a public meeting focusing on the 727,400-acre Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District on Thursday were from people interested in playing in the forests.

The management plan doesn't address specific travel routes, but it proposes annual maintenance of 200 to 400 miles of motorized and nonmotorized roads and trails.

Rich Lambert, representing the Back Country ATV Association, said there's a lot of roads not on the most recent maps, which propose about 1,200 miles of open roads.

"We want to keep all trails open that we can, but we're not stupid," he said. "Just give us the justification for closing them."

Many of the roads designated as open in the forest plan aren't open year-round.

"Fish and Game closes a lot of roads up to nine months of the year," Lambert said. "And the Forest Service says OK. "

Randy Swick, Coeur d'Alene River District ranger, said motorized use will be managed on roads that avoid important wildlife habitat.

Chic Burge, a member of the Spokane Mountaineers, said he's been following the forest planning process since the 1980s. This proposed revision is the first major upgrade since 1987.

"I don't hear anything about conservation and that bothers me," he said after the meeting.

Burge said federal funding has been directed to other priorities, especially since the start of the war with Iraq.

"It doesn't make a difference which user group you belong to. It's our forest and that's why we have to make sure it's managed well," he said. "If there isn't any funding, it's all moot."

The plan emphasizes hazardous fuels reduction, proposing to treat 4,500 to 6,500 acres annually with prescribed burns or timber harvest. Priority would be given to areas where communities abut the forests.

"We don't expect to accomplish the desired conditions this decade," said Ranotta McNair, IPNF supervisor. She said the plan will be built to adapt to new science, with an extensive review in five years.

Public comment on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests Land Management Plan will be accepted until Aug. 10. McNair said she expects to issue a final plan in the fall.

Written comments should be sent to: KIPZ Forest Plan Revision Team, Idaho Panhandle National Forests, 3815 Schreiber Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815.

Comments by e-mail (an attachment is preferable) should be sent to: r1_kipz_revision@fs.fed.us.

The proposed plan, accompanying maps, and other information are available on the Internet at www.fs.fed.us/kipz.