The Boise National Forest covers more than 2.5 million acres and includes more than 500 trails. More than 60% of Idaho is federal public land. (Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun)
The Boise National Forest is seeking public feedback on a proposed restoration effort meant to mitigate impacts from the 2024 wildfires, including safety hazards, potential soil erosion and damaged infrastructure.
“The Boise National Forest along with our partners experienced a truly challenging 2024 wildfire season with over 245,000 acres of Forest Service system ground burning,” Boise National Forest Supervisor Brant Petersen said in a press release. “This calls for a larger restoration effort than we’ve ever taken on, and one that requires a timely response.”
The proposed restoration efforts being considered include:
- Removing fire-killed and damaged trees along roadsides to mitigate falling hazards and salvaging burned trees that are commercially viable
- Reforestation of native tree species
- Rebuilding forest infrastructure including bridge and road culverts, replacing signs and repairing damaged campgrounds
- Detering the creation of unauthorized motorized routes that hinder natural vegetation recovery, spread noxious weeds and increase soil erosion
- Working with grazing permittees on affected allotments to allow rest periods ensuring vegetation within burned areas can recover
More details of the restoration efforts can be found at the U.S. Forest Service website page for the 2024 Wildfire Impact Response.
Comments are due Dec. 10., and they can be submitted electronically through the project website by selecting “Comment/Object on Project” on the right panel of the project’s webpage.
Comments can also be mailed to the following address:
Boise National Forest Attn: Brian Lawatch
1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200
Boise, ID 83709
Individuals must specify their comments are for the “2024 Wildfire Impacts Response.”
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.