Documentary educates on natural resource issues

BONNERS FERRY — From the golden fields in the Kootenai Valley to the mountainsides of timber, Boundary County holds a bounty of natural resources.

Capturing the beauty of Boundary County and the importance of the natural resources to the local economy are videographers Rob Tenas and Kyle Flory.

“The documentary shows people we need the resources and people are extracting them in the right way,” said Tenas. “We are educating that there is a right way to extract resources. A balance between man and mother nature.”

There are universal issues in natural resource management and many solutions are being utilized here Flory and Tenas explained. They are interviewing logging operators, farmers, timber companies and mill operators for the solutions being utilized here.

“We are using the county to tell the story,” said Flory. “There can be a balance.”

The collaboration necessary to move forward on natural resource management will also be highlighted, including the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s work on the hatchery and Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative’s work on every aspect of natural resources.

Flory and Tenas are producing the documentary for Boundary County through the county commissioners with hopes of showing it on PBS and other networks. The county will own the documentary upon completion which is scheduled for this fall. Currently, they have a budget for 30 minutes.

“We want 60 minutes to tell the story,” said Tenas.

To extend to 60 minutes, donations are being accepted through the County Clerk at the courthouse.

For more information on the documentary or how to donate, contact Michelle, Commission Clerk, at 267-7723.