Idaho Panhandle Public Lands Initiative to host open house

BONNERS FERRY — The newly formed Idaho Panhandle Public Lands Initiative is hosting an open house at 6 p.m. on October 2 at the Boundary County Annex, located at 6566 Main Street.

The IPPLI is a local group of individuals and organizations representing motorized and non-motorized recreation, hunting, trapping, fishing, timber, agriculture, environmental, and local governmental interests. The purpose of the group is to craft and advocate for federal legislation that enhances forest management, conservation, economic, and recreational benefits of public lands in Bonner and Boundary Counties.

This effort is focused on the “North Zone” of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, which includes the Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, and Priest Lake Ranger Districts.

Our public lands are managed for multiple uses. The open house is an opportunity for the public to learn about the goals of the IPPLI and how to be involved.

A balanced recommendation for legislation could include any of the following: multiple-use classifications, Wilderness, other management classifications or designations, areas for wildlife habitat improvement, areas for forest health improvement, recreational access improvements including motorized or non-motorized trail construction or changes and recreational infrastructure improvements. The recommendation could ultimately include mandates.

The IPPLI was formed in May of this year. Anybody with an interest in the future of public lands in northern Idaho is encouraged to attend the open house, learn about the IPPLI’s goals, consider joining IPPLI as a voting member or participate as an interested member of the general public.

No recommendations or proposals have been developed yet. The IPPLI will begin to consider and craft those with the goal of finalizing a recommendation in 2025.

More information about the IPPLI may be found online at: https://idahopanhandlepubliclandsinitiative.wordpress.com