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CONTACT: Laura Smith CONTACT: Elayne Murphy

DATE: October 21, 2002

It was a good year for project accomplishments supported by the North Central Idaho Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). Four projects were completed, one contracted (on-going) and one initiated.

The North Central Idaho RAC was established by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in response to the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (The Act.) The RAC recommends projects benefiting national forest resources within Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nezperce counties. Funds available until Title II of The Act are used to contract necessary work for all approved projects, contributing to local community economies.

Projects implemented in 2002 include:

• A community-based weed management strategy project was led by the Idaho County Weed Control Group. The goal was to reduce the spread and future impacts of weeds on and adjacent to the Nez Perce National Forest by treatment of key road networks both on and off the forest and treatment of weeds along the key private/forest interface areas within highly susceptible habitats. A total of 2366 acres of priority weed infested areas were treated during the summer of 2002. Target weeds include Yellow starthistle, spotted knapweed, rush skeletonweed, Leafy spurge and hoary cress. The project was completed with local contractors utilizing $78,900 of Title II funds and $98,000 of landowner contributions.
• Nez Perce Forest’s Sourdough Road #492 project had 20 miles of maintenance work completed with Title II funds ($34,565). This project reduced erosion, while improving access for a variety of forest users. Work completed in FY 2002 consisted of grading the roadway to re-establish the original template along the road, clearing of logs, brush and debris from the cut and fill slopes, and maintenance of drainage structures. Approximately 150 hazard trees were felled that were growing/leaning out over the road.

• The Gold Lake Creek project will restore fish habitat and improve water quality in the Little Slate Creek drainage. The Nez Perce Tribe has begun the surveys necessary to plan this work. The required planning and analysis are to be completed by next spring. A total of $59,554 of Title II funds is committed to this project.
• Title II funds for the Red River Project are dedicated for two major efforts: 1. Salvage of dead and dying trees in the area ($90,000); 2. Analysis to support long-term resource restoration throughout the drainage ($ 59,554).
• The Clearwater Bridge Armor project purpose was to protect bridge structures and adjacent resources from scour damage during high flow storm events. This was accomplished by placing riprap armor along approaching embankments, abutments and wing-walls at 10 bridge sites. The work was completed during the 2002 field season at a cost of $20,737.
• Ten Clearwater National Forest bridges were protected through the Clearwater Bridge Armor project. Riprap, actually a protective foundation of stones, was placed along approaching embankments, abutments, and walls at each bridge site. The $20,737 project will protect bridge foundations and adjacent streambanks from scour damage in the event of severe storms.
• The Palouse Cooperative Weed Management area (Latah and Clearwater Counties) accomplished 1500 acres of weeds treated, and 200 miles of roadside sprayed. Title II dollars ($18,000) went to employing contractors from Lewiston, Moscow and Spokane. In addition, nine partners were involved that contributed $30,000 in total for this effort: Potlatch Corporation, Idaho Department of Lands, US Forest Service, Bennett Lumber Company, University of Idaho Experimental Forest, Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protective Association, Latah and Clearwater County Noxious Weed Control, and Clearwater Resource Conservation and Development Council.
• Roughly 1,500 acres of weeds were treated and 200 miles of roadside weeds sprayed on the Palouse Cooperative Weed Management Area in Latah and Clearwater counties. Nine partners contributed $30,000 to this effort. They included: Potlatch Corporation, Idaho Department of Lands, USDA Forest Service, Bennett Lumber Company, University of Idaho Experimental Forest, Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protective Association, Latah and Clearwater County Noxious Weed Control, and Clearwater Resource Conservation and Development Council. Another $18,000 in Title II funds was used to complete the project, which employed contractors from the Lewiston, Moscow, and Spokane areas.

For more information, please contact Ihor Mereszczak, Designated Federal Officer for the RAC, at 208-983-1950.

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