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Loss of scenery
Colville National Forest Supervisor Laura Jo West has proposed the Renshaw timber sale, which lies north and south of State Highway 20 between Frater Lake and Tiger. Her sale starts two miles northeast of Thomas, Gillette and Heritage lakes. The sale will log 7.8 square miles. Some of the logging units are adjacent to the tight switchbacks on Highway 20 as it drops into Tiger. The panoramic view of the Pend Oreille River valley will not be the same after the timber sale.
The Forest Service also owns land that touches the water on the east side of Lake Thomas, and owns land 200 yards east of Heritage Lake. Ask West when she plans to log these areas.
The environmental assessment and maps are available in hard copy. The Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger Districts will provide these hard copies and tell you the link to the EA and maps posted online by calling (509) 446-7300.
It’s too late to become eligible to officially object to the project. However, the public can still comment, and there is time to contact your member of Congress.
Enjoy the scenery this fall before the Colville National Forest has its way with the area.
Dick Artley
Grangeville, Idaho