The Organization of the Panhandle Forestry Coalition

1. Project Summary: Much of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest (IPNF) can be described as ecologically unhealthy. Many stands of timber are overstocked with Douglas and grand fir, which makes them particularly susceptible to large fires and results in a much less ecologically diverse and productive ecosystem. Watersheds are susceptible to flooding and aquatic species that depend upon them are suffering. Proposed Forest Service projects over the past several years have often resulted in conflict and litigation, and most projects have not been implemented. A methodology other than the “conflict model” is needed in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. A collaborative approach to project planning is a promising alternative to resolving social/legal conflicts while addressing important forest management issues. The initial starting point is to convene a collaborative group to address issues on the Coeur d’Alene District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

a. Demonstration of need for the program: The forest conditions of much of the Coeur d’Alene District is either Class II or III (unhealthy, overstocked and susceptible to fire). These stands of second growth timber pose serious wildfire threats to communities interspersed within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) have been created for many WUI areas but the Forest Service has been unable to conduct the needed fuels reduction projects on the Federal ownership within the WUI. Additionally, many thousands of already logged and roaded acres outside of the WUI could benefit from pre-commercial or commercial thinning. With the conversion of the timber industry to small log mills, it is now possible to profitably utilize much of the material thinned from overstocked forest stands. The stewardship authorities could use project revenues to fund much needed restoration projects. The situation is, therefore, both a problem and an opportunity.

b. Specific objectives and relevance to NFF goals: The first objective of the Coalition is to move from a loose-knit group of individuals and organizations with a common interest into an organization with formalized processes in order to address federal land management needs in a concentrated and collaborative effort. The goals, objectives and mission of the organization, the process “rules” for collaboration and a common understanding of the land management issues in the Coeur d’Alene District will be articulated and agreed upon by the members of the Coalition.

A Board of Directors for a non-profit corporation will be formed. The Panhandle Forest Coalition will also pursue the acquisition of its own 501 (c)(3) IRS status. In the meantime the North Idaho Community Resource, Corp. will act as a fiscal agent.

A Board training session will be conducted. A group retreat will be facilitated in order to bring any particularly contentious issues to a resolution. The public will be kept informed through the use of the local media at appropriate moments. Outreach to similarly minded organizations will continue throughout the project.

The initial Forest Service WUI projects will be identified and the Coalition will work with the Forest Service on the design of these projects from the outset. Essentially this means working with the Forest Service to determine 1) The current condition of each unit; 2) What the goals and objectives are for each unit and the project as a whole, 3)What the units should look like after treatment, and 4)What is proposed to be done under prescriptions for each stand. Once agreement on the project is reached, the Forest Service will pursue the project permitting and decision process for each project. The up-front involvement by all stakeholders in the project will result in no appeals to the project.

The outreach and communication by the Coalition will focus on communities adjacent to the Forest Service WUI project, and will strive to provide local and other interested citizens with an in-depth and impartial perspective on the project. If CWPP has not been created for the local

community, the Coalition will seek out funding to work with the agencies and community to create such a plan. Goals will be to provide the local community with a sense of ownership in the project and place them in a very competitive position for National Fire Plan funding for the creation of defensible space on adjoining private property.

3. Community input and support for the project: Attached is a list of potential participants who have all been contacted and who all agree that a collaborative approach to addressing National Forest land management issues offers a promising planning alternative to conflict and litigation. A letter from the Coeur d’Alene Area Chamber of Commerce will follow this application within a few days.

4. A General timeline for the work to be accomplished: Upon receipt of funding it is anticipated that this initial organizational phase and the initiation of the collaborative process can be accomplished within eight months. (See attached Timeline).

5. Basic preliminary budget: (See Attached)

6. 501 (c)(3) status verification: See attached verification for the fiscal agent the North Idaho Community Resource, Corp.

7. Letter indicating local USDA Forest Service support for the project: (See Attached).