Art event celebrates Lightning C

Art event celebrates Lightning Creek

February 21, 2013

The National Forest Foundation (NFF), in partnership with the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, the Pend Oreille Arts Council (POAC) and Panhandle State Bank, will host a public art reception at the Sandpoint Center on March 1, 2013.

The event will celebrate beautiful Lightning Creek on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, a recent addition to the NFF’s Treasured Landscapes, Unforgettable Experiences conservation campaign.

This national campaign is addressing restoration challenges on 14 National Forests from Alaska to Florida.

“We are excited to be co-hosting this event,” said NFF President Bill Possiel. “Lightning Creek is a treasure for North Idaho and Eastern Washington, and we are proud to include it in our Treasured Landscapes conservation campaign.”

In Lightning Creek, the NFF, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and several local organizations will be working together to address wildlife habitat restoration, creek health improvements, and improved recreational opportunities throughout the drainage.

Restoration strategies will include planting whitebark pine trees, removing invasive weeds and planting native plants and restoring fisheries and riparian habitat. To further enhance the visitor experience, project plans include improving hiking trails and constructing a warming hut for winter recreation use using wood products sourced from the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

“Our forest is honored to be a part of the Treasured Landscapes campaign,” said Idaho Panhandle Forest Supervisor Mary Farnsworth. “The community support has already been amazing and we can’t wait to get started on all of the wonderful restoration efforts we have lined up for Lightning Creek.”

During the March 1 event, the NFF, POAC, and the Idaho Panhandle National Forest will share more than 25 unique pieces of art created by local artists in celebration of the Lightning Creek area.

Representatives from the U.S. Forest Service and the NFF will be at the event and available to answer questions and discuss the restoration plans. Open to the public, the event will begin at 6 p.m. and conclude at 8 p.m.

Officials from the NFF, POAC, and the U.S. Forest Service will speak briefly beginning at 6:15 p.m. Please call (406) 830-3361 for more information.