Idaho Panhandle Forest Supervisor Mary Farnsworth announced last week the approval of "modified alternative 2" for the Tower Fire Salvage and Reforestation Project on the Priest Lake Ranger District.

See details of the operation on the forests' website.

The plan will guide reforestation and restoration.

"Salvage projects protect the health and safety of the public, by removing hazardous burned trees along trails and roads, recover the remaining economic value of forest products in a timely manner to contribute to employment and income in local communities, while restoring portions of the landscape," she said in a media release.

"This project will include salvaging approximately 1,819 acres of dead and dying trees for recovery of economic value, removing hazardous trees (1,335 acres) along 52 miles of road, and providing 3,496 acres for reforestation.

 

"Implementation of these decisions is expected to begin in July and last up to three years. Within the Tower Fire project area, 52 miles of roads are closed until hazardous trees have been removed. Adjacent to project areas, travelers should be alert for increased vehicle traffic, including log trucks.