IPPL spawned to greenwash logging practices

In a fit of collaborative failure, the Idaho Panhandle Public Lands Initiative was spawned to greenwash extractive logging practices. Collaboratives, such as PFC, endorse road building, logging, and off-trail winter motorized recreation, ignoring their harmful impacts to wildlife. Collaborative failure arises from supporting compliant viewpoints while marginalizing dissent, leading to objections and litigation.

IPPLI members consist of anti-science entities wanting to reduce proposed wilderness, wolf bounty hunters, and federal government haters, and a few conservation-minded participants. Proposal members seek to limit forest planning adaptability amid climate change, limit the use of mature and old forests for carbon storage, and ignore endangered species listings. One conservation group even has an Idaho Forest Group manager on its board, controlling their position.

Proposals like legislating Upper Pack River for OSV use and opening the Bog Creek road threaten critical habitats and grizzly bear security. Some want to eliminate our constitutional right to redress the federal government. IPPLI appears committed to preconceived agreements. They will not collaborate with NREPA supporters. Wildlife relies on roadless areas for sanctuary, as gating roads is only partially effective. Overpopulation, climate change, and recreation stress our forests. We must prioritize conservation and increase the extent and protection of roadless areas for future generations.

PAUL SIERACKI

Priest River