Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative

04/11/2024

🚜🐻 Attention Boundary County Farmers! 🌲🏞️

Are you facing challenges with grizzly bears and other predators drawn to livestock carcasses on your property? We have a solution!

Join the Livestock Carcass Removal Program and let's work together to preserve our beautiful Idaho wildlife while protecting your farm. Here’s why it’s essential:

🐾 Removing carcasses deters grizzly bears, reducing the risk of them wandering onto your land and encountering humans or active livestock.
🐾 It helps prevent bears from developing a taste for livestock, keeping your herds safe.

We offer COMPLIMENTARY carcass removal, exclusively for our community members in Boundary County.

📞 Reach out to get involved:

Austin Terrell from the Idaho Governor's Office of Species Conservation at (208) 571-2052

Rob Morris from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208) 617-0126

Let's protect our farms and wild spaces, together!

03/28/2024

🤝💪 Unity Makes Strength: The Collaborative Spirit of the Scattered Lands Project 🌿🏡

Under the initiative, we're proud to spotlight the power of partnership in the Scattered Lands project within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. With a coalition that spans federal, state, and local entities, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Bonner County Office of Emergency Management, our collective action is a beacon of hope for at-risk forests and communities. This project is not just about mitigating fire threats; it's about forging a future where both people and nature thrive together.

National Forest Foundation

03/27/2024

🔥🌳 Making Our Forests Safer: The Critical Role of Fuels Reduction in the Scattered Lands Project 🛡️💚

This week, we shine a light on a cornerstone of our efforts in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests: fuels reduction. The Scattered Lands Hazardous Fuels project is not just an initiative; it's our commitment to protecting our forests, wildlife, and communities from the devastating impact of wildfires. By carefully reducing the amount of combustible vegetation across 15,090 acres in Bonner County, we are significantly lowering the risk of catastrophic fires.

Fuels reduction is a proactive step towards a healthier, more resilient forest ecosystem. It not only helps in controlling wildfires but also improves habitat diversity and forest structure, making our lands stronger and more vibrant. Thanks to the support from the National Forest Foundation and collaboration with local and federal partners, we are ensuring a safer future for our forests and the people who call this beautiful region home.

National Forest Foundation

03/26/2024

🌲✨ Kicking Off Week with the Scattered Lands Project 🚀

This week, we're thrilled to highlight our ongoing efforts in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, supported by the National Forest Foundation The Scattered Lands Hazardous Fuels project, nestled in Bonner County and touching the borders of Washington state, is a testament to what we can achieve together. Over 173,942 acres are being transformed to prevent catastrophic wildfires and enhance forest health, thanks to NFF’s invaluable support.

03/18/2024

🌲 The Idaho Panhandle National Forests are taking steps to reduce hazardous fuels and safeguard our communities against wildfires. The Katkee Fuels project focuses on creating fuel breaks along private lands, infrastructure, and key egress routes near Bonners Ferry. For more details on how they're addressing wildfire concerns and protecting the Bonners Ferry Ranger District, check out their latest initiative: Idaho Panhandle National Forests - Katkee Fuels Project. https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/ipnf/?project=65300

Stay informed and connected with their efforts to preserve our beautiful forests! 🌳🔥

02/15/2024

🌊 Important Update on Water Adjudication in the Kootenai Water Basin 🌊

We are pleased to share critical information regarding the ongoing water adjudication process in the Kootenai Water Basin. This process plays a vital role in managing our water resources, ensuring sustainability, and protecting the rights of all stakeholders.

For comprehensive details, insights, and updates, we highly encourage all interested parties to visit our dedicated page. Your involvement and understanding are crucial in navigating the complexities of water management in our community.

👉 Explore now: https://www.kvricollaborative.com/community-information

Let's stay informed and engaged as we work towards a sustainable and equitable water future for the Kootenai Basin.

01/18/2024

🌲 Calling All Nature Enthusiasts in North Idaho! 🌲

The U.S. Forest Service needs YOU! We're excited to announce an opportunity for up to five volunteers to join the Idaho Panhandle Resource Advisory Committee. This is your chance to make a real impact on our beautiful federal public lands.

🔍 What Will You Do?
As a member of the Resource Advisory Committee, you'll engage in collaborative decision-making and guide the distribution of Title II funding under the Secure Rural Schools Act. Your input will help shape projects aimed at improving forest health, watersheds, roads, and facilities. In 2023, the RAC directed over $1.5 million to 25 transformative projects across north Idaho!

🌳 Who Are We Looking For?
We're seeking diverse and representative voices from Idaho, especially residents of Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, or Benewah County. Your training, experience, and commitment to collaborative decision-making are key. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, ensuring a wide range of perspectives.

📅 Deadline to Apply: Friday, March 1
Don't miss this unique opportunity to contribute to the conservation and enhancement of our national forests.

📝 Apply Now
Find more information and application materials here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ipnf/workingtogether/advisorycommittees?fbclid=IwAR1xwKWZz7---mC05G82aoRNMGntCU53-wNIH4EJdKdDxGf9f2AYmlH8qRs

📧 Questions?
Contact Patrick Lair at [email protected] or call (208) 765-7211.

Idaho Panhandle National Forests Seeks Volunteers for Resource Advisory Committee

NEWS RELEASE: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ipnf/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1160843

The U.S. Forest Service is recruiting up to five volunteers in north Idaho to serve on a Resource Advisory Committee that will help make funding recommendations for natural resource projects to benefit federal public lands.

Members of the Idaho Panhandle Resource Advisory Committee will participate in collaborative decision making and distribution of Title II funding under the Secure Rural Schools Act for projects on or adjacent to the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

In 2023, the RAC recommended more than $1.5 million for 25 projects with far-reaching benefits across north Idaho.

The committee’s duties include reviewing and recommending projects to improve forest health, watersheds, roads, and facilities. Past projects include noxious w**d control, road realignment, trail construction, timber sale preparation, and the restoration of fish passages to benefit native species.

Interested applicants will need to submit an application by Friday, March 1.

Applicants will be evaluated based on their training and experience in the interest group they represent, their demonstrated commitment to collaborative decision making, and their contribution to the balance and diversity of the RAC.

The Forest Service is seeking a diverse and representative committee that reflects a wide range of perspectives. The agency encourages applicants from all s*x and gender identities, and from all racial, cultural and ethnic identities and backgrounds, including people with disabilities and people from historically underserved communities. Members must be a resident of Idaho and should reside within Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone or Benewah County to the extent practicable.

More information and application materials can be found online at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ipnf/workingtogether/advisorycommittees

For more information, contact Resource Advisory Committee coordinator Patrick Lair at [email protected] or (208) 765-7211.

USDA Forest Service photo 📸 (Carolyn Dexter/Chimney Rock)