Govt shutdown pushes back forestry projects

BONNERS FERRY — The 16-day federal government shutdown pushed back deadlines on local U.S. Forest Service projects by several weeks.Bonners Ferry District Ranger Kevin Knauth provided an update on USFS projects at the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative meeting on Oct. 21.

The Hellroaring Creek project’s final decision was pushed from mid-July to mid-August. The sale will still occur in FY2015 and the push back doesn’t hurt us that way said Knauth.The Kreist Creek project’s decision notice was pushed out two months to May of 2014. The Placer/Nugget section (3.2 mbf) will be sold in the fourth quarter of FY2014, said Knauth.

The rest of the Kreist Creek sales totaling 8.5 mbf will be sold in FY2015.The Twenty-mile project is scheduled for sale in FY 2014, along with the Eastport helicopter sale (1.2 mbf).

The Bonners Ferry Ranger District is funded for 32 mbf in the current fiscal year, down from the 42 mbf we were anticipating said Knauth. “We want to produce a steady flow,” said Knauth. “If we are asked to produce more, we are in a position to do more.”

Knauth explained the district has two plans, one to harvest 32 mbf and the other to harvest 42 mbf. Having a plan to harvest more puts the district in a good position to acquire more funding if it becomes available but it is wisest to stay with the funded target, said Knauth.Projects farther out include Boulder Creek, Deer Creek, Trout Creek and Ball Creek and will come on as planned, said Knauth.