Forest Service seeks comments on restoration project

The Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District is seeking public comments on the Character Fire Salvage and Restoration Project environmental assessment and draft finding of no significant impact.

The project area is on National Forest System lands within the perimeter of the 2021 Character Complex Fire in the Eagle Creek drainage, about three miles north of Kellogg.

In early July 2021, lightning storms ignited the Prichard and Deceitful fires, which were managed as the Character Complex Fire, that ultimately affected around 12,400 acres.

The district is proposing to salvage timber, conduct fuels treatments, and plant trees on about 3,100 acres within the fire perimeter.

"This work is intended to improve forest health conditions," a press release said.

The project is anticipated to occur in this summer and fall.

Public comments will be accepted until June 13.

Info: bit.ly/3Mib1sC or Acting Project Leader Jasmine Drapeau, 208-664-2318, jasmine.drapeau@usda.gov