LETTER: Why is BLM silent in the WFPC discussion?

In my view, the key to this discussion lies in understanding the easement agreement between Avery and the BLM.

When the BLM stopped using West Fork Pine Creek Road for commercial logging and mining access, they turned to Langlois Road, which crosses Avery’s property. Knowing they needed commercial access to public land, the BLM pursued an easement agreement with Avery. They hadn’t needed one for WFPC Road because it was a well-established public road, widely used for accessing public lands.

As this transition unfolded, the Averys saw an opportunity: by securing a seasonal hunting closure, they could effectively block 95% of the public from accessing some of the best hunting land in North Idaho for four months during Big Game season.

Compounding this, the Averys have a cabin several miles behind the gate. This created an ideal situation for them. The few hunters who did attempt to access the area would face a long trek on foot, giving the Averys a clear advantage. Former BLM Field Manager Kurt Pavlich summed it up: “It’s a sweet deal for Joe and his buddies.”

Kurt was right. The non-motorized agreement between BLM and the Averys is a dream come true for a select group of insiders.

For the public, it’s a total loss – thousands of acres of hunting access gone, along with the chance for families to enjoy one of North Idaho’s most cherished seasons.

Soon after the agreement was finalized, the Averys pushed to reduce public use of WFPC Road. The BLM, obligated to update its Resource Management Plan (RMP), restructured travel routes to align with the agreement. What was once a road offering direct, year-round access to public land was downgraded to allow motorized access only for ATVs and dirt bikes.

The justification? Calusa Creek Road, identified in the 2007 RMP as a motorized connector trail. The BLM now walks a fine line, loosely adhering to its own documents while prioritizing revenue from boat launches, campgrounds, and timber sales, all while appeasing the Averys.

Joe Avery claims the closure was entirely BLM’s decision, but that’s simply false. He’s been heard telling hunters they’re on private land while they’re standing on public land. And he’s been seen driving on roads closed to motorized use during hunting season, rules that apparently apply to everyone but him.

Is this fair or ethical? Absolutely not.

According to the Idaho Supreme Court ruling in Jutila v. Shoshone County, Joe Avery is currently in violation of Idaho Code §§ 36-1603(b) and 18-3907.

Now that we’ve covered the reason for the closure, let’s look at why BLM is so beholden to Joe. If he loses the hunting closure, he’s likely to shut the gate entirely and terminate the easement agreement. That agreement is worth millions to the BLM in timber sales. To protect it, they’re willing to go to great lengths, even illegally closing a road, to keep Joe happy. They just didn’t expect someone to actually read their own documents.

This agreement is yet another example of the “good ole boys” doing business as usual, and it’s unacceptable.

It’s time for the BLM to complete a Travel Management Plan and release it for public comment. I’m confident we’d see a very different version of route designations than what exists today.

Paul Loutzenhiser, NITB

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