Environment

One of Idaho’s industries hardest hit by the recent housing boom and bust is forest products.According to the U.S. Forest Service, the timber harvest from Idaho national forests dropped from 172 million board feet in 1999 to 121.2 million board feet in 2008.The Idaho Division of Financial Management’s 2011 economic forecast reported there are about half as many mills in the inland region as there were 20 years ago.Still, the report projects growth in the industry over the next few years.“Idaho lumber and wood products employment hit a trough of 5,700 jobs in 2010 which was about 40 percent below its 2006 peak of 10,000 jobs. It’s projected to grow each year of the forecast, but it’s not fast enough to top the previous peak.” - DFMThe Division of Financial Management believes an increase in housing starts will help fuel a mild recovery in wood production.

Federal Judge Halts State Logging Project Amid Idaho Road Dispute

Boise State Public Radio News | By Associated Press

Published July 14, 2015 at 10:51 AM MDT

A federal judge has halted a salvage logging project on state land in northern Idaho by temporarily banning the use of a contested U.S. Forest Service road on private property.

U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill in an 8-page decision released late Friday granted a temporary restraining order requested by the property owners and an environmental group.

Morgan and Olga Wright and Idaho Rivers United say the federal agency incorrectly approved the use of the road without issuing a special use permit.

Such a permit would require an environmental analysis of effects on the Selway Wild and Scenic River corridor.

The Forest Service and state officials contend a special use permit isn't needed. Idaho also says the burned timber is losing value.

Winmill ordered an expedited schedule for the case.

Federal Judge Halts State Logging Project Amid Idaho Road Dispute

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