Thinning Planned At Katka Peak

More than 11,000 acres of National Forest land southeast of Bonners Ferry could see salvage logging over the next six years.

The Idaho Panhandle National Forest is proposing thinning several dense stands of trees around Katka Peak as part of the proposed Kit Katkee salvage project. Dead and down timber also would be removed.

“We are going into stands really crowded with small trees,” said Maridel Merritt of the Bonners Ferry Ranger District.

“We are removing the smaller trees to give the bigger trees more light and nutrients.”

The project aims to take primarily Douglas fir, she said.

Most of the trees slated for removal are between 4 inches and 14 inches in diameter, depending upon the location.

No new roads will be built for the project and no roads will be reconstructed. Any closed roads that are reopened for the logging will be closed after the logging is done, Merritt said.

The number of sales and the number of board feet to be logged has not yet been determined, the Forest Service said.

There will be several harvest methods, including horse logging and more traditional methods.

There is no helicopter logging planned.

The Forest Service plans to sell the timber next summer.

It is seeking public comment on the project.

“To be most helpful, comments on the project should be as site-specific and project-specific as possible and relate only to the Kit Katkee Salvage Project,” said District Ranger Elaine Zieroth. , DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: PROPOSAL Copies of the environmental impact statement and record of decision for the project are available by writing the Bonners Ferry Ranger District, at Route 4, P.O. Box 4860, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 or by calling (208) 267-5561. Written comments much be submitted by May 19.