Meadow Creek project approved

COEUR d'ALENE - A project officials say will improve forest health and reduce the risk of wildfires and sedimentation in the Meadow Creek headwaters in Boundary County was approved Friday.

Work will include 1,297 acres of vegetative restoration work, 20 miles of road decommissioning, 2.8 miles of new road construction and 1.3 miles of trail decommissioning.

"I am confident that this project will be of great benefit to the ecosystem and for the water quality in Meadow Creek," said Forest Supervisor Mary Farnsworth.

Development of the East Fork Meadow Creek project began in 2008 when the Boundary County Commissioners asked the Forest Service what could be done on federal lands in the vicinity of the Meadow Creek watershed to reduce the risk of unwanted wildfires and potential damages to the watershed.

Farnsworth signed the final decision for the East Fork Meadow Creek Supplemental Environmental Assessment on Friday.