Input sought on Cub Creek salvage

U.S. Forest Service (USFS) personnel has announced they are ready to take comments on their proposal to salvage merchantable and hazard timber from last summer’s Cub Creek Fire, in the Beaver Creek drainage. According to the Cabinet Ranger District, a scoping notice asking for public input on the project was released on Tuesday, and will be open for comment for 30 days.

The District will conduct a review and analysis of environmental effects and all concerns brought to their attention through the comment period, which concludes its scoping process on Jan. 17. All individuals with concerns or inquiries are encouraged to discuss them during the scheduled open house 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, at the Cabinet Ranger Station, or in person.

According to the USFS, “The Cub Creek Fire has created the need to recover the economic value of forest products in a timely manner to contribute to employment and income in local communities and avoid loss of commodity value, reduce hazards threatening human health and safety, and re-establish forested conditions and/or facilitated recovery to meet management objectives outlined in the Kootenai Forest Plan.”

The Cabinet Forestry Collaborative (CFC) has been in close contact with the USFS on this project. Dec. 11 the two groups met to discuss project progression and discuss logistics. According to the USFS, “the group voiced their support for salvage operations in the project area to benefit the local economy, while also recommending that a balanced approach be taken to address resource concerns such as wildlife and soils.”

Lightening caused Cub Creek Fire on Aug. 30 and burned 5,823 acres, leaving a mosaic of burn patterns varying in severity. Much of forest floor vegetation and organics were completely consumed, roots of trees were scorched leaving trees to die soon, and some flames reached tree crowns.

“Salvaging some of these burned areas can further increase diversity and reduce the amount of fallen and crisscrossed trees typical of areas that burned with high intensity,” stated Doug Ferrell, CFC member. “It is important to remember that there are some very positive outcomes from the Cub Creek Fire in terms of improving habitat for elk, deer and other species.”

The USFS is planning to release their draft Environmental Analysis in early May, when another 30-day comment period will occur.

Inquiries and/or comments can also be made directly to the USFS by contacting Cabinet District Ranger John Gubel at 406-827-0714 or project leader Maureen Bookwalter at 406-210-5256.