Panel Will Debate New Forest Rules

Controversial stream-protection proposals will be on the agenda when the Idaho Forest Practices Act Advisory Committee meets here Monday and Tuesday.

The group will prepare a final set of revised forest practice rules to send to the State Land Board. The Legislature must then approve them.

A record number of people commented on an early version of the rules.

The biggest difference of opinion was over the proposals to protect streams from logging-related damage. Some people believe the rules would be needlessly restrictive, others believe they aren’t strong enough.

Stronger limits on slash-burning also generated a lot of comment, with most people arguing that the proposed air quality rules are too strong.

The meeting, in Bay 3 at The Coeur d’Alene Resort, is open to the public. The Tuesday discussion topics will be: timber harvesting, 7:30 a.m.; stream protection, 9:15 a.m., reforestation, 12:45 p.m.; use of chemicals, 1:15 p.m.; road construction, 2:15 p.m.; stream segments of concern and outstanding resource waters, 2:45 p.m.