BLM moves forward with fuels management plans in northern Idaho
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – In consideration of public interest, the Bureau of Land Management recently approved three fuels management projects in northern Idaho, adjacent to private holdings within the wildland urban interface. These projects will support forest health by improving resiliency to pest, disease, and wildfire.
The Mica Bay project near Coeur d’Alene in Kootenai County consists of thinning, prescribed fire, and timber harvest on 287 acres of forest lands.
The Blackwell project near Coeur d’Alene in Kootenai County consists of mechanical fuels reduction and pile burning on approximately five acres of forest lands.
The Lynch Gulch project near Pinehurst in Shoshone County consists of thinning and prescribed fire on 73 acres of forest lands.
This work is in support of Executive Order 14308 “Empowering Commonsense Wildfire and Prevention Response” reducing the impact from wildland fire to critical infrastructure and municipal watersheds within the wildland urban interface. Additionally, the timber produced by this work supports Executive Order 14225, “Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production” and will provide critical supplies for construction and other industries, and support jobs in the Idaho Panhandle economies.
Initial thinning operations are expected to begin this summer and timber harvest beginning in the fall. Prescribed fire activities are slated to begin in 2027. For more information about fuels activities, contact Thomas McLeod at (208) 962-3786 or [email protected].
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.