Idaho and Federal goverment Strengthen Forest Management Partnership
Idaho governor Brad Little, Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, and Idaho department of Lands Director Dustin Miller signed a new agreement today too bolster collaborative forest management efforts across the state. The agreement builds upon existing partnerships and aims to significantly increase proactive forest health initiatives.
Governor Little emphasized the necessity of strong state-federal collaboration, noting that two-thirds of Idaho’s land is federally owned. “Close collaboration between the state and the feds is not optional. It’s necessary,” he stated.
The partnership’s roots trace back to a 2016 “Good Neighbor Authority” agreement, which allowed Idaho to undertake forest management activities, including timber harvests, on federal lands. This was followed in 2018 by a “Shared Stewardship” agreement, adopting a “no boundaries” approach to managing federal, state, and private forests. Today’s signed document updates and expands upon that framework.
The new agreement focuses on modern forest management practices, including enduring timber harvesting, prescribed fire, and science-based methods to foster resilient ecosystems. A key component is a commitment to doubling the amount of timber harvested from national forest land in Idaho. The Forest Service anticipates a 25% increase in timber volume sold nationally over the next four years, contributing to this goal.
Forest Service Chief Schultz clarified that increased timber harvests are integral to broader conservation strategies.”It ensures that we improve wildlife habitat,fish habitat restoration,and all that comes from that,” he explained.He also highlighted Idaho’s strong engagement with federal partnerships, noting 30 “Good Neighbor Authority” agreements already in place with Idaho counties, tribes, and the state.
Since the initial 2016 “Good Neighbor Authority” agreement, Idaho has completed 64 timber sales, harvesting over 200 million board feet of timber and generating more than $21 million for the state.
The state is well-positioned to handle the increased timber supply, according to Governor Little, who pointed to Idaho’s existing modern sawmills and established timber industry. The Forest Service will provide $4 million in upfront funding to support the implementation of the expanded program.
Governor Little stressed the importance of long-term sustainability and certainty in these land management efforts. “This cannot be a one-time initiative or a glossy plan destined for a shelf. It must be sustainable, landscape-wide efforts that truly moves the needle,” he said, emphasizing the need for public confidence through enduring collaboration despite potential changes in administrations and Congress.
