JULY NIBJ: Panhandle Timber Defense works to protect against wildfires

Wildfires can have a devastating effect on local economies and sustainable development. 

Kyle Wacholz, through his company Panhandle Timber Defense, is working to mitigate the economic risks posed by catastrophic wildfires in the Idaho Panhandle region.

Uncontrolled wildfires destroy valuable timber resources, residential and commercial properties, and infrastructure — resulting in massive economic losses. Fires disrupt business, deter investment, and impede growth. The aftermath can mean expensive rebuilding and restoration.

Wacholz launched the business utilizing skills he gained from 10 years of fighting wildfires throughout the West Coast. A desire to protect his own community led to his launching Panhandle Timber Defense, a company which provides sustainable management of forests and local timberlands.

Its wide-ranging services include forest planning and stewardship, monitoring forest growth and health, marketing timber, and creating defensible space around homes and wildland-urban interface areas, Wacholz said.

"We specialize in fire prevention and mitigation measures to reduce the risk of catastrophic damage on properties," he said.

Wacholz said that with services such as hazard tree mitigation, thinning, selective logging, and chipping reduce, he can help clients make their properties safer by limiting the amount of combustible materials that feed wildfires. 

By generating firewood products and supporting sustainable forest management, the company also contributes to the responsible utilization of natural resources — a cornerstone of the region's economy. 

Ultimately, Wacholz's aim is for his company to have a positive impact on its customers by providing services that enhance the protection of their homes against the threat of devastating wildfires.

He wants clients to know they'll be treated like family — all work will be done with integrity, mindfulness and unmatched work ethic. 

"We will help our customers increase wildfire readiness by informing them on ways to  create a fuel-free space around their home," Wacholz said.

With 10 years under his belt of fighting some of the biggest wildfires in the West, Wacholz has gained invaluable experience on what to do — and how to do it right. He's also a professional faller and a highly skilled sawyer, all matched with a passion to protect the community.

"It’s not 'if' but 'when' a wildfire can affect you, a neighbor, or our local community," Wacholz said. "From my experience in wildfire, it is a natural part of our environment and we need to defend our homes by pre-preparing, by effectively managing your property and surrounding forest."

Information: Panhandle Timber Defense, panhandletimberdefense@gmail.com or by phone at (208) 699-1589