The project aims to improve forest resilience by reducing existing natural fuel stocks and improving timber stands and wildlife habitat. This project takes place outside of designated wilderness on acres in need of restoration or maintenance. Activities include prescribed burning, handline construction, and vegetation treatment. Preparatory work for the prescribed open fire is carried out using chainsaws and hand tools.
The number of acres processed annually depends on a number of factors, including funding, weather conditions, resource conservation measures, and resources available to complete processing. Prior to implementation, forestry staff will determine the final details of the prescribed fire plan, engage with stakeholders and conduct public outreach.
Since September 2020, Forest employees have been working on the development of this project, responding to various comments received from the public. The project is designed to help increase the pace and scale of prescribed fire vegetation management while balancing the importance of providing wood products. The Forest Service has national directives that identify the importance of restoring fires with fire-adapted systems. The project restores fires while streamlining the implementation process to get more work done on site.
Environmental assessments, decision notices, no material impact findings and project analyzes are posted here and available online. These documents are also available at The Salmon-Challis National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1206 S. Challis St., Salmon, ID 83467.
The public can view the story map of the project to learn more. For questions about this project, please contact fire ecologist Christine Droske at 406-529-1750 or christine.droske@usda.gov.
