Forest Service seeks public comment

The U. S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service is seeking public feedback on the Lacy Lemoosh Project, located on the St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

The total area of the project is approximately 16,100 acres within the Charlie Creek and Upper Santa Creek watersheds and tributaries to the St. Maries River, which flows into the St. Joe River. The project area is south of Emida in both Benewah and Latah counties.

The project seeks to treat approximately 5,400 acres of vegetation, including about 600 acres for prescribed burning, to decrease fire hazards and improve landscape resiliency.

It would also include a redesign of roads and trails to reduce erosion into streams. Trail users can provide feedback for the route redesigns during the public comment period.

Public input provides suggestions and identifies concerns that help Forest Service staff as they refine the project proposals.

Although there are private lands within the project area, only federal lands are being considered for treatment.

Project information and instructions on how to comment are available at fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60853 and comments will be most helpful when submitted by May 26.

Forest Service staff will host an open house from 4-7 p.m. May 22 at the St. Joe Ranger District office, 222 South Seventh St., Suite 1, St. Maries.

For more information or project questions, please contact project lead Amy Thompson at [email protected] or by phone at 208-245-6034.