Panhandle Forest Collaborative
Bringing diverse interests together to provide consensus based recommendations on projects on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest
Vision and Approach
Vision
By assisting the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and other agencies in bringing a balanced approaches to timber, wild ecosystems and recreation, the Panhandle Forest Collaborative (PFC) helps to contribute to sustainable social, environmental and economic viability within the region.
Panhandle Forest Collaborative's Approach
The Panhandle Forest Collaborative focuses on issues on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, primarily within the Sandpoint, Priest Lake and portions of the Coeur d’Alene Ranger Districts, with the goals of reducing litigation, promoting sustainable operations, enhancing travel and recreation opportunities, maintaining infrastructure for timber, ranching and recreation, and conserving native ecosystems.
By building communication and connectivity between on-going local community efforts and the county, state and federal agencies, the PFC works as a group to provide consensus recommendations on projects and forest plans which address the collaborative's shared goals.
Buckskin Saddle
The Buckskin Saddle Project is a large, landscape-scale project in Bonner County, east of Lake Pend d’Oreille.
This project will increase the resilience of the forests to insects, diseases, drought, and the undesirable effects from wildfires.
Chloride Gold
The Chloride Gold project lies along the southeast side of Lake Pend Oreille.
This project will reduce the threat of wildfire, improve forest health, improve fish and wildlife habitat, decrease sources of stream sediment, control noxious weeds, and improve recreation opportunities.
Communications & Outreach
PFC success depends on the involvement of diverse stakeholders and community members. The PFC recently formed a new Communications Subcommittee, which has a goal of reaching more members of the public.
Bottom Canyon
The PFC developed a 'citizen's alternative' to this past Forest Service project. Learn more about this successful example of collaborative conservation by exploring project documents here.
News and updates:
The Panhandle Forest Collaborative is facilitated by the National Forest Foundation (NFF). The NFF works to engage the public in community-based and national programs that support the health and public enjoyment of National Forest System lands, and encourages and supports collaborative processes striving to improve relationships between communities and the Forest Service.