Forest Service issues decision on the Homestead Project

ST. Maries — St. Joe District Ranger Matthew Davis has signed the final decision for the Homestead Project on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

The project is the culmination of more than two years of planning and public engagement around a proposal to improve forest and watershed conditions in the area through vegetation management, fuels reductions, prescribed fire and transportation improvements.

This decision allows the district to move forward with restoration work within the 16,700-acre project area. Located east of St. Maries and south of Avery, the project area includes the Daveggio, Homestead and Shearer Creek drainages, all tributaries of Marble Creek, which flows into the St. Joe River.

“I want to express my gratitude for the time and effort that many of our community members and partners have spent helping us get to this point,” Davis said. “The public input has been informative and valuable to this decision.”

The Homestead Project includes around 1,170 acres of timber harvest in areas affected by root rot and insect infestations, followed by replanting of less susceptible tree species. Prescribed fire will be used to reduce surface fuels, thereby reducing the potential for high intensity wildfire and creating safer conditions for wildland firefighters, forest visitors and local residents. Plans also include road and drainage improvements.

The decision notice, related documents, and maps are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53049 or at the St. Maries office of the St. Joe Ranger District.

For more information or to obtain copies of documents, please contact Beth Reinhart at the St. Joe Ranger District, 222 S. Seventh St., Suite 1, St. Maries, ID 83861. She can also be reached by phone at 208-245-2531 or by email at mary.reinhart@usda.gov.