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Conservancy established near McArthur Lake |
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October 1, 2016 |
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| Photo ©The
Nature Conservancy |
| View from
the McArthur Lake East Forest Legacy
Project |
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In an area recognized as one of the region’s
most important wildlife linkage zones and one of
Idaho’s highest priority areas for benefiting
forest-based markets, approximately 5,568 acres
of forestland has been permanently conserved to
benefit wildlife, local economies, clean water
and recreation.
These forests, located east of McArthur Lake
between Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry, were placed
under conservation easements in September. The
conservation easements were conveyed to the
Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) through a
partnership between The Molpus Woodlands Group,
LLC, on behalf of clients, the Idaho Department
of Fish and Game, The Nature Conservancy and the
U.S. Forest Service.
Conservation easements are voluntary and legally
binding agreements that compensate landowners
for limiting certain uses, such as development
and subdivision, while still retaining private
ownership.
“Conservation easements and the Forest Legacy
Program keep private working forests working,”
said Karen Sjoquist, IDL Forest Legacy Program
Coordinator. “The continued use, protection, and
sustainability of these forests provide local
jobs while protecting the social and
environmental values that forests provide.”
Molpus believes that private working forests
provide environmental, economic and social
benefits to meet the needs of present and future
generations. Molpus, committed to sustainable
forestry and sound stewardship practices,
manages these forestlands to adhere to
Sustainable Forestry Initiative® standards. This
initiative is based on principles that promote
sustainable forest management, including
measures to protect water quality, biodiversity,
wildlife habitat, species at risk, and forests
with exceptional conservation value.
“We are proud to work with The Nature
Conservancy and the public agency partners to
dedicate these properties as working forests
into perpetuity. Our commitment to manage these
properties on a sustainable basis benefits
long-term timber production, wildlife, and
recreation,” said Ken Sewell, Chief Operating
Officer of Molpus.
The conserved lands are located within the
McArthur Lake Wildlife Corridor, an area of
Idaho nationally recognized for its scenic
beauty, outdoor recreation and wildlife. By
protecting this area from development, the
project allows for permanent public access for
activities such as hiking, hunting and berry
picking.
“These lands in the McArthur Lake linkage area
provide tremendous conservation value for native
wildlife species while also maintaining jobs in
the local communities,” said Toni Hardesty,
State Director for the Conservancy in Idaho. “We
thank Molpus and their clients for their shared
vision for this land to support the economy and
wildlife in North Idaho.”
Funding for the project came through the U.S.
Forest Service Forest Legacy Program, and from
Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the
Conservancy. The program seeks to protect
“working forests” – those that support the
natural resources economy while protecting water
quality, providing habitat, opportunities for
recreation and other public benefits.
“We are conserving wildlife habitat while
providing access for hunting and other outdoor
activities,” Idaho Fish and Game Director Virgil
Moore said. “This easement is a win-win for the
people of Idaho and its wildlife.”
Janet Valle with the U.S. Forest Service noted,
“The Forest Legacy Program is a partnership with
the State, landowners and partners to protect
important forest lands and provide economic and
resource values for future generations. We are
grateful for the landowners and partners’
commitment and hard work to protect Idaho’s
privately owned forest lands.”
Forest Legacy funds originate from the Land and
Water Conservation Fund, royalties paid by
energy companies drilling for oil and gas on the
Outer Continental Shelf. The revenues from the
depletion of one natural resource support the
conservation of another precious resource – our
land and water.
Legacy funds are used for forest conservation
throughout the United States and Idaho receives
project grants through a nationally competitive
process. IDL is working with other landowners in
the McArthur Lake and Hall Mountain areas of
Boundary County and at Clagstone Meadows in
Bonner County. |
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