Forest Land Preservation

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Forest lands contribute to the local economy through jobs in timber extraction, the processing of lumber, and the manufacture of wood-based products. Forest lands provide opportunities for recreational activities, such as hiking, hunting, camping, fishing, photography, bird-watching, cross-country skiing, mushroom-gathering, and snowmobiling, and related economic inputs. Less tangible values of open space, wildlife diversity and scenic beauty are also supported by Latah County’s forest lands.

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We aim to preserve working forest lands within Latah County through the implementation of voluntary strategies that support sustainable timber extraction consistent with natural processes and the protection of water quality and habitat for fish and wildlife by addressing the following limiting factors:

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• Soil Erosion

• Altered Fire Regimes

• Harmful Insects and Diseases

• Invasive Plants

• Reduced Stand Diversity

• Inadequate Stand Stocking

• Forest Productivity

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There are an estimated 402,300 acres

of forest land in Latah County

(over one-half of the county’s

acreage). Timber has been harvested

in the area since 1870. The

productivity of Latah County forests

has declined due to high mortality of

western white pine caused by the

introduction of blister rust. In

addition, fire suppression and

ongoing mortality, coupled with

insects and disease, have increased

fuel loads beyond natural

accumulations and changed the

frequency and intensity of fire.

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We aim to protect and enhance forest conditions that maintain ecosystem functions and processes, support water quality, and provide for habitat and species diversity, while enhacing the future production potential of private forests by addressing the following limiting factors:

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• Resource Conflicts

• Unsustainable Harvest

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Support for Forestry Education

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Every year Latah Soil and Water Conservation District donates to the Idaho State Forestry Contest.  To learn more about this educational program click here.

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The University of Idaho Forestry Extension has many programs and workshops available for Forestry Stewardship, Logging Education, and more. 

 

Their educational programs and workshops are designed to increase the knowledge base that Idaho’s forestland owners and managers use to plan and implement natural resource management activities. 

 

To learn more about these programs, click here.