The Idaho Panhandle Public Lands Initiative (IPPLI) is a newly formed collaborative group that brings together representatives from diverse interests, including conservation, timber, recreation, local government, Tribes, agriculture, and other sectors. This broad coalition is dedicated to crafting and advocating for federal legislation that enhances the forest management, conservation, economic, and recreational benefits of public lands in Bonner and Boundary Counties.
A Broad and Inclusive Mission
The mission of the IPPLI is intentionally broad to foster inclusivity and provide space for creative ideas and policy proposals that benefit multiple interests across the two counties. Bonner and Boundary Counties encompass approximately 1 million acres of Forest Service lands and 16,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management lands. This vast and varied landscape presents numerous opportunities for conservation, recreation, and economic development.
Specific Goals and Wilderness Designations
While the mission is broad, the IPPLI has also identified specific goals. One key focus is the Land Management Plan for the Idaho Panhandle National Forests (IPNF), which recommends three areas for wilderness designation: Scotchman Peaks, Selkirk Crest, and potential additions to the Salmo-Priest Wilderness on the Idaho side of the Washington-Idaho border. The existing Salmo-Priest Wilderness in Washington state ends at the state line, and the IPPLI will review the Forest Service recommendations for wilderness in these areas. The group aims to reach an agreement on which portions of these areas, if any, should be statutorily protected under The Wilderness Act.
Considering Other Land Designations
The IPPLI is also considering other land designations, such as recreation areas. These designations could enhance recreational opportunities and provide economic benefits to local communities while preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the region.
Addressing Land Ownership Challenges
One significant challenge the IPPLI aims to address is the “checkerboard” pattern of land ownership in certain areas, such as Smith, Myrtle, Snow, and Caribou Creeks. In these areas, alternating sections of state and private timberlands create a fragmented landscape that complicates management for both landowners and the Forest Service. The IPPLI is considering potential land exchanges between the Forest Service and state and private timberland owners to consolidate ownership. Such exchanges could ensure permanent public access to recreational trails and protect habitats for endangered species like grizzly bears, wolverines, and lynx.
Aiming for a Legislative Proposal
The IPPLI hopes to draft a legislative proposal for introduction in Congress by 2026. Before any legislation is introduced or passed, the proposal will be vetted publicly to ensure it reflects the diverse interests and needs of the community. This collaborative approach aims to balance conservation, recreation, and economic development through a process of negotiation and compromise.
The Role of the Idaho Conservation League
The Idaho Conservation League (ICL) is actively involved in the IPPLI. We are optimistic that through collaboration and compromise, an agreement on a legislative proposal that benefits recreation, conservation, and the local economy can be reached. The formation of the IPPLI represents a promising step toward a sustainable and prosperous future for the public lands in Bonner and Boundary Counties.
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