Forest Service moving ahead with Deer Creek project

February 27, 2017

Mary Farnsworth, Forest Supervisor of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, has chosen to move forward with alternative 2 as analyzed in the environmental assessment for the Deer Creek project located on the Bonners Ferry Ranger District. The final decision document will be signed once the objection period ends. The Deer Creek draft decision is subject to the objection process pursuant to 36 CFR 218, subparts A and B. Objections must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of the “Opportunity to Object” notice in the Coeur d’ Alene Press. The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. Those wishing to object should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source. Objections will only be accepted from those who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during scoping or other designated opportunity for public comment in accordance with §218.5(a). The Deer Creek Project consists of restoration actions including vegetation management and fuel reduction activities, as well as activities to manage noxious weeds, roads, recreation, and aquatic resources on National Forest System lands within and around the Deer Creek drainage. The environmental assessment, draft decision notice, and finding of no significant impact are available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44051. Mary Farnsworth and District Ranger Kevin Knauth expressed their appreciation for all of the individuals and groups who participated in the public collaboration efforts that took place for this project. The district, working closely with the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative and their forestry subcommittee, hosted numerous public meetings and field trips. Public input was invaluable in deciding what forest management activities should occur in the area.