***Monday, August 18, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Chairman Ben Robertson was absent due to illness.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
EDC Director David Sims entered the meeting at 9:00 a.m.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:05 a.m.
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:07 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to appoint Commissioner Bertling as acting chair. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Jace Dowell, Kaila Banks, Colton Cohen, Ani Mielke, Evan Mielke, Riser Hanson, and Emma Standley-Wallen. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the letter of support for Kaniksu Health. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign letter of support for Boundary Community Hospital. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve Hangar C-10 ownership transfer from Kabiz Kamiab and Phil Beachy to sole ownership by Phil Beachy. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Agreement for Shelter Services with SCAA. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners were not ready to proceed with a finalized letter to KTOI and decided to wait until a later date.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to award Panhandle Door US-95 Improvement project to J7. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Notice of Award for Panhandle Door US-95 Improvements. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Contract for Services of Court Appointed Special Advocate Attorney for FY26. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson called into the meeting at 9:22 a.m.
Commissioners reviewed the letter of support from KVRI and noted that they were not aware of the project and needed more information. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to table the letter until more information could be received. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve BCSD #101’s request for an extension on budget process. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Innovate Work Order for WO016-Addressing Support FY2026. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Innovate Work Order for WO15-Enterprise GIS Support FY2026. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners discussed the airport grant and requested that Airport Manager Dave Parker come in to answer some questions. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to table the grant offer for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Project No. 3-16-004-027-2025. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:34 a.m. and stated that it has been a quiet week. There have been some public records requests and a personnel issue that he was working on. He stated that he had responded to the hospital concerning open meeting laws. Mr. Wilson stated that you don’t have to make them comply, but you might consider discussing it with them since you approve their bylaws. Their rational was that some items would be short notice, but emergency meetings could be noticed 24 hours in advance.
The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:51 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Mr. Lamberty and Ms. Almond left the meeting at 9:53 a.m.
At 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair and moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to the sign minutes from July 21, 2025. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Lindsey sent an email that he was on vacation and unable to attend the meeting. Commissioners reviewed the report that was submitted.
Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair and moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until their next appointment.
Commissioners received an email that Theresa Wheat would not be attending today’s meeting because an August KVRI meeting was not scheduled.
Alex Baier with Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation entered the meeting at 10:12 a.m.
John Monks entered the meeting at 10:28 a.m.
Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Heather Fuller entered the meeting at 10:32 a.m.
Ms. Fuller stated that they would like to discuss the purchase of property around Robinson Lake and the letter of support for KVRI. Commissioners stated that they were not aware this project was in the works and this was the first they have heard of it.
Mr. Monks stated that this got started when he was considering selling the property and contacted the USFS about the process of putting it into some kind of public conservation and they offered to buy it.
Mr. Baier stated that the area surrounds Robinson Lake, but will not include the buildings. The Monks will purchase part of the Tesar’s property that will also be included. The section along highway 95 was a high moose collision area and there are future plans for a wildlife crossing. This would allow for public access of 91% of the area around the lake.
Commissioner Bertling stated that his concern was the tax revenue they would lose from it.
Mr. Baier stated it would also allow for the USFS to expand the campground at Robinson Lake.
Ms. Fuller stated that she liked the project because of the connectivity and the future potential for a wildlife crossing. There were also future plans for a trail along the easement around the lake.
Mr. Monks said he was active in hiking and mountain biking and it would be nice to have a system in place around the lake for the public to use.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked Ms. Fuller if she still supported it given the current USFS cuts. Ms. Fuller stated yes, it has a high wildlife value and a high value for the USFS so it was likely to score very high.
Chairman Robertson stated that he admired what they were proposing. However, he was categorically against losing more private property.
Commissioner Pinkerton liked the idea, but wanted to wait until Chairman Robertson was in the office to view the map presented. We just received the letter from the Kootenai Tribe, but we were not aware of anything about this. We need more time to process it.
Commissioner Bertling stated they will try to have an answer for them next week.
Mr. Monk stated that he has tried to do a state version of conservation, but was told it was too small of an area.
Ms. Fuller added that they have closed the comment period on Katkee and are working through what was submitted. She anticipates signing will take place in September. Boulder was signed this morning and was moving forward.
Panhandle Health Director Eric Ketner entered the meeting at 10:55 a.m.
The meeting with Ms. Fuller, Mr. Monks and Mr. Baier ended at 10:57 a.m. and they left the meeting.
Mr. Ketner stated that he wanted to give a brief update on the health district. Mr. Ketner said that there continues to be high demand in their core services, particularly septic and landfill. He added that they have an opening in that area and are looking for an individual with a bachelor’s degree in the science industry. He added that the WIC program remains strong and demand continues to increase. Mr. Ketner said that they are continuing to expand services in public schools due to substance abuse and are exploring Narcan distribution. They are also expanding programs to help people transition after incarceration. There has been a diagnosis of measles in north Idaho, which is the first since 1991.
Mr. Ketner then shared that the board would be reviewing their clinical services. The model has shifted to funding community health centers so it was a time of transition and possible changes. If that happens it would eliminate 10-15 positions.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if we can have more coordination between building permits and septic system permits. Mr. Ketner responded that anytime one is reported they do follow up. But there wasn’t a current system in place for coordination.
The meeting with Mr. Ketner ended at 11:28 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins entered the meeting at 11:29 a.m. Mr. Jenkins shared the estimate for repairs on the compactor. He added that the estimate for the brakes was the maximum cost, so it could come in less. He also stated that there is no money left in his repair budget, so it will have to come out of reserves.
Chairman Robertson stated that he was thinking they could use a dozer as a compactor and asked how much it would be to buy one.
Mr. Jenkins stated that there are no used dozers currently available to buy. He also added that we need the compactor. A dozer was also needed, but it will not replace what the compactor does.
Commissioner Bertling stated that he was fine with the repairs coming out of the reserves.
Commissioners agreed to move forward with the repairs on the compactor.
Mr. Jenkins then shared a video showing banding that got caught up in the driveline of the loader and damaged it. There will be additional repair costs for this. Mr. Jenkins stated that banding causes the most damage to equipment.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if we can have the banding placed in a different location to avoid this in the future. Chairman Robertson said let’s talk to the ones that bring it in the most and see if we can handle theirs differently. We can then re-evaluate if it continues.
Mr. Jenkins then mentioned a new company that provides porta-potty service in the area that would be a cost savings. Commissioners stated that this was business, so you go with the lowest cost. But let’s first reach out to our current provider and see if they are willing to match it.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 11:50 a.m. and he left the meeting.
The meeting recessed for lunch at 11:55 a.m.
The meeting reconvened at 1:30 p.m. for the afternoon session with Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, and Clerk Glenda Poston. Chairman Robertson and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims were absent.
Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals joined the meeting at 1:31 p.m. and provided their written report for work completed on Moyie River Rd and Copeland/West Side Road, as well as planned work for the current week. Road and Bridge discussed Eileen Road and the City of Moyie project and the reimbursement for the material that has been used.
There was discussion on BIA road and the use by the public. Commissioners agreed that there needs to be a discussion on the terminology used by both entities. Mr. Ryals was concerned about the use of the public funds being used on a private road. Commissioner Pinkerton indicated that there needs to be a meeting with the Tribal Representatives.
Mr. Barton discussed the bottom of Grouse Hill Road and that they are planning on working on this area next year. There was also discussion that included signing the MOU with Fish and Wildlife Services.
Road & Bridge was also checking with ITD for the approach at the UnBox store, this would be part of the grant that the county has received from ITD.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:50 p.m. and they left the meeting.
Pam Barton joined the meeting at 2:00 p.m. Commissioner Pinkerton moved to go into executive session 74-206(b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal, or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 2:15 p.m. and Ms. Barton left the meeting. No action was taken.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, and Clerk Glenda Poston. Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims was absent.
Commissioners held a department head/elected officials meeting. Those present were: IT Director Matt Hodges, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, U of I Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Personnel Director Pam Barton, Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins, Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton, Maintenance Supervisor Squire Fields, P&Z Administrator Ben Jones, Treasurer Jenny Economu, Coroner Chad Workman, and Probation Officer Alisa Walker.
Commissioners went around the room for office updates from the various departments in attendance. The meeting ended at 9:28 a.m. and everyone left the meeting except for Ms. Robertson.
At 9:30 a.m. Ms. Robertson provided the University of Idaho Extension updates concerning the food safe programs, youth programs and the fair. The STEM trailer was at the fair with 213 kids visiting. They sold 140 animals, and there are no totals available at this time for the market animal sale. Ms. Robertson said the 4-H awards ceremony was scheduled for October 23rd.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m.
Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Commissioners met in special session in Coeur d’Alene, ID with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims at the USFS Interagency Office. Those present were: U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, Regional Forester Kristan Bale, Forest Supervisor Tim Gilloon, Bonners Ferry District Ranger Heather Fuller and other USFS support staff.
Chairman Robertson opened the meeting with an introduction stating that Boundary County was a rural forested community whose wellbeing was tied to the Panhandle National Forest. Over 70% of county lands are federally managed, with one remaining sawmill and a growing wildland urban interface population. Effective forest management was critical to public safety, forest health, and local economic stability. Chairman Robertson added that they had a few goals of protecting public from catastrophic wildfire through proactive WUI management, restore and maintain forest health across landscapes, and ensure economic stability by sustaining reliable timber supplies with local saw mills and associated jobs.
Mr. Gilloon provided a basic context of history and treatments for the county. He referred to several colored maps showing historic treatments over several decades. The maps also included gray areas that Mr. Gilloon stated that you could not get into for various reasons and they were not suitable for harvest.
Chief Schultz asked how that aligned with the simple timber base and does it align with the forest plan. Mr. Gilloon responded yes.
Mr. Gilloon added that the magenta areas have recent fire activity in the last 15 years. Green areas are historical fire areas over the last 50 years. Blue indicated treatment since 1950 which he stated showed an investment of $20 million dollars since 2010 into the county from both USFS and INPF. He said this showed acres treated, which tallied at 18 million board feet in the county.
Mr. Gilloon said that the areas in green were 30,000 acres that are currently in the hoper including Camp Robin, Moyie Meadow, Katkee and Boulder. Blue areas are coming into maturity in the next 10 years. If we are looking at trying to do more, we have to look at the yellow areas, which were previously covered in other projects so they were not quite ready. Instead of the targeted 12-14,000 board feet per acre it would be 5-6,000.
Chief Schultz asked if that was standing or if that was what could be removed. Mr. Gilloon replied that could be removed. Chief Schultz asked if that meant 25-30,000 feet per acre now. Gilloon replied that with a 30% treatment rate, that was what it would result or be pull off. Schultz replied then you are looking at 15-20,000 feet per acre then.
Gilloon stated to move forward he pointed toward two areas including the Purcells and Bog/Grass. That was Grizzly country and high litigation areas which will be challenging. There are also large projects planned in Bonner County of 70,000 acres so they are tapped out. He suggested that if the county wants to engage, they could hire a small sale forester through the GNA program to address areas and use the streamlined NEPA authorities and CE’s.
Chief Schultz described conversations he has had with other areas and asked if the county would like to pursue funding to hire a county level forester who can chase these projects for you on federal lands. Chief Schultz felt Boundary County could be the pilot and would make a great model. Chairman Robertson and Commissioner Bertling said yes and Commissioner Pinkerton added that we are close to signing a GNA agreement already.
Ms. Fuller stated that we have had good conversations about this and have gone with an MOU with IDL and County given the changes it was an easier route with funding. Chief Schultz was please to hear that but stated that we still need to find funding for a forester.
Mr. Gilloon stated that depending on how it was structured with the GNA, we might be able to tap into the retained receipts. Chief Schultz felt that IDL was going to want to hold onto to those funds. Another funding route would be better.
Mr. Gilloon felt that the more you try to slice the piece of pie, the less funding there would be and IDL was their main partner. He added that he would prefer to work through IDL as much as possible. Mr. Gilloon added that he was fine with doing other projects, but wanted to include their key partner in those conversations.
Chief Schultz felt that IDL could manage the funds and other portions, but there still needed to be a forester that was accountable to the County. He also felt it was important to have a separate agreement with the County to fund that position using GNA and he would like to see the first county agreement to be in Idaho.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated we are open to any options and it was important that our county has a sustained yield. We are in a tough spot with our mills, so we are open to any ideas for a pilot project.
Mr. Gilloon wanted to address the sustained yield piece and said that there was only one sustained yield in the Forest Service and that was located in Arizona. Chief Schultz stated that I think what they are talking about was certainty so they know what to predict and the mills are okay. Commissioners confirmed that was correct and Commissioner Pinkerton added that we have been told that PILT may be cut in the near future and we need a way to replace that funding with a consistent supply.
Mr. Gilloon said that if you want a consistent supply, what feeds the Moyie Mill was not IPF it was Kootenai. Chief Schultz replied no that was not the case, the Kootenai has done so little the last 3-4 years that it has been predominately sourced off of the Panhandle and Canada. However, the Canadian logs are now cost prohibitive.
Ms. Fuller added that the issue with the Kootenai was due to litigation around the Grizzly bear issue. So far, we have not had that problem in the Bonners Ferry area. She felt that was largely because of the collaborative work with KVRI.
Mr. Gilloon stated that you are right the Panhandle has taken up some of that slack, but not to what the Kootenai had been producing.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if you think you can get 20 mbf. Mr. Gilloon replied that we are scraping the barrel at 12.5 mbf for the next 2 years. We might be able to squeeze out more, but we have to assess the yellow areas. We don’t have the capacity nor do we have the volume.
Chairman Robertson referred to the blue on the map for the Sundance burn, stating that both industry and state have been logging that very heavily. He stated that it was must be marketable timber or they wouldn’t be doing it. The analysis you are working with may not be accurate. Mr. Gilloon stated it depends on when it was last logged so that area might have been logged 60-80 years ago. It might be close but not mature enough at this time.
Chairman Robertson asked are you doing an analysis on the entire blue area or are you looking at what was actually harvestable. Because you are not going to go in and harvest an entire section. I can tell you from personal experience that there was a lot of harvestable timber in there. Hearing you say it was a decade out is frankly not the case.
Mr. Gilloon said it was the analysis of the window bracket. We look at 10 to 20-year increments and this was what was coming. It might look like there are a lot of trees, but they may not be thick enough yet. We will need to go in an assess it from the ground and the blue areas are next on the docket.
Chief Schultz stated that the map was a starting place, we then need to get an agreement in place and people on the ground to get inventory data to evaluate. We can then create a new map with the new data for a 5-year plan and put a process in place for consistent numbers and build on that.
Mr. Gilloon stated that one other point to make was that when we validate the data, we are using lidar technology. We could use that for targeted areas instead of putting boots on the ground. Chief Schultz stated that it will give you slope for road analysis too. He then added that he was happy to see everyone at the table having these conversations. If we can accomplish the Commissioners goals of a safe environment, boosting the economy and a healthy forest we are hitting a home run.
Commissioner Bertling said if you chose to focus on a rotation of 200,000 acres and only treat 10,000 feet per acre and run that out with 25 million per year, you would be on an 80-year rotation with timber growing back in 60 years. You would not be able to catch up to what the potential was. Chief Schultz replied that it will help to have people on the ground to model it and go through an operational exercise.
Mr. Gilloon added that the areas in yellow need to be validated. He added that he would like to use the NEPA authority to revisit old decisions the areas in the Purcells. We just need to validate it and have the county at the table. Chief Schultz added that KVRI should also be included and take some field trips. If you do get litigated, you have the support of the collaborative.
Ms. Fuller then addressed the KVRI collaborative stating that we have had good conversations with the county and we need to include the collaborative into those discussions. She felt that putting in the work in the beginning will save us with potential issues later on. The Kootenai Tribe also has interest in a GNA agreement and she felt everyone can bring their interests to the table and we could model something very unique. Ms. Fuller added that her team was spread across three districts and it was difficult to take on additional work.
Chief Schultz stated that we need to broaden the perspective of the team to leverage others to move things forward. Commissioner Pinkerton added that we have a lot of skilled people in the community. Ms. Fuller added that this was very exciting to bring a multitude of people to the table.
Chief Schultz stated that this was exactly what the Secretary wants to see. How are we supporting rural communities. We have seen what happens when we don’t support them. If we had a vision of what this looks like, she can put her stamp on it, and it could become a talking point for the Secretary.
Chairman Robertson stated that he was all in for a pilot program for Boundary County. Mr. Gilloon stated that there was a vision for getting work done and including the collaborative and exploring multiple options. Chief Schultz asked was there anyone else we should be including in these discussions. Let’s make sure they are at the table.
Ms. Fuller stated that KVRI has been less active in recent years and it needs to be invigorated. Chief Schultz asked who the chair was. Chairman Robertson stated that there are three co-chairs and added that the problem was that there hasn’t been a project in the last couple years that has been put in front of the collaborative to work with.
Chief Schultz referenced another collaborative that would seek out projects to present to the district instead of waiting for the project to come to them. Think about KVRI working in that capacity. Chairman Robertson stated that has happened over the last two years. One example would be a burn in the area and salvage material afterwards. This was prior to Ms. Fuller stepping into the roll, but there was zero movement from the district and that has caused people to step away from the collaborative.
Mr. Gilloon stated that there were discussions about the silt and restoration side and whether there were some opportunities. He stated that he was not discounting that some opportunities were missed.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that we still have industry telling us that there was volume up there that we need to go get. Mr. Gilloon said then let’s go get it. Commissioner Pinkerton replied, I am sure there are other dynamics in play, but we need to have that discussion.
Mr. Gilloon referenced the collaborative and projects in other areas. For that reason, he no longer has the capacity to handle these projects so they work with other partners through the GNA process. Schultz added that we have the authority to do direct sales to loggers. This would allow for contractors to identify areas of salvage, blow downs or whatever to do a direct sale with a quick CE. Let’s not overlook the small areas.
Chairman Robertson asked how do we have those conversations. Chief Schultz stated to put out a call for a meeting of logging contractors and involve the Forest Service. This was where a small sales forester would be valuable for the county.
Commissioner Bertling stated that he thought looping in the Kootenai Tribe would be valuable to have their person and our person working together. Maybe then we would have the manpower to tackle some things. Chief Schultz added that there should be a combination of both large and small sales actively happening.
Chief Schultz stated to make sure that you don’t overlook the component of including recreation into the agreement. Active management includes recreation. We also need to look at grazing permits if there are any for the County. Ms. Fuller stated that there are three.
Chairman Robertson said that Boundary County was a difficult location due to Grizzly bears and the gate closures that happen because of that. Chief Schultz asked about snowmobiling. Chairman Robertson stated that snowmobiling was also big, and the areas that are closed off to snowmobiles, are the highest they have ever been. However, the gates are something that people recognize and was in front of them all the time. The people at this table are not going to be able to resolve that issue, it will take an Act of Congress.
Chief Schultz stated that it was on the table. A bill has been passed in the House and was in front of Congress at this time. Chairman Robertson stated that bill was for the Grizzly bear in Yellowstone, so we will be excluded from that. Ms. Fuller added that we have both a portion of the Cabinet Yaak and Selkirk recovery zones as well as bears outside of the recovery zone. There are a lot of compounding factors into the metrics and issues that are associated with roads.
Ms. Fuller stated that she wanted to make sure that recreation was included. With all of the changes, our staffing in Bonners Ferry took a tremendous hit with a mix of permanent/seasonal employees. We were at 20 people, this year that number is down to 4 with one of those being a volunteer. The district has had a long-standing tradition of being leaders in trail management. Chief Schultz asked if the reduction was covering the entire area or just the Bonners Ferry District. Ms. Fuller responded that was just the Bonners Ferry District so that might be an area where we could potentially have the community help us.
Mr. Gilloon referenced a document he had sent to get the traditional seasonal 1039’s back which was included in the Executive Order and asked Chief Schultz if that can get put through to help with the shortfall.
Mr. Gilloon then moved onto fuels reduction and referenced the Sunset fire and cause with the slash burn. He said the USFS doesn’t do that, but we do spend an inordinate amount of time and resources having to burn it when it isn’t accessible. He also explained options he has explored to help reduce the slash from treatment. Those included conversations with Avista.
Commissioner Bertling suggested possibly utilizing the County’s air curtain for slash piles that are close by so that it is burned safely. Chief Shultz also suggested utilizing a chipper that was mothballed at Chilco. If there was a commitment from the forest then we could supply someone like Avista with biomass. We would just need to get everyone at the table to have those conversations.
Chief Schultz discussed various mills closing in the surrounding areas and how to have outlets for the residuals and biomass as an important aspect. If Avista was truly interested in pursuing those avenues we need to make sure that we have the right mechanisms and funding in place to help it move forward. One area to consider would be wood innovation grants that could focus on the north Idaho region to chew up biomass to make into paper. Both Potlatch and Manulife are leaving the biomass on the ground because they don’t have an avenue for it and that then contributes to the fuel hazards.
Chairman Robertson wanted to talk about the realities of Katkee fuels. Ms. Fuller stated that her staff has been working on that. Katkee was expensive because a portion of it was steep and if there was ever a time to get the funding for it, she felt this was it. Chief Schultz asked if there were any roads. Ms. Fuller stated there was not on the first sale out of it. It was difficult ground to treat and we can look at other opportunities with tether. We had intended for the helicopter sale to come out first, but we are going to rework it to see if there are other options. With the new ranking however, it did not rank out high enough to proceed.
Chief Shultz asked when you talk about ranking you mean it didn’t rank high enough for the money that was available to the region. Mr. Gilloon responded yes, and I already briefed the Commissioners on that when we visited them and viewed the area from Katkee lookout. We are redirecting the staff to look at this again because the money fell through. The price per board foot did not pencil out compared to the rest of the region. Ms. Bale added that we had $70 million in need and when we looked at the return on investment this did not rank as well as other projects.
Chief Schultz asked how much volume are we looking at. Ms. Fuller responded conservatively 50 million. Chief Schultz then asked what was it if you look at it liberally, 75-100 million. Mr. Gilloon answered yes.
Chief Schultz stated that his point being was that if you look at expanding the volume per acre that you are removing, the costs reduce. If you double the amount that you are removing the costs per acre go down significantly. Don’t eliminate the helicopter yet, because 50-100 was a big range, you need to narrow that down to have accurate figures. Mr. Gilloon stated that his staff was looking at an area in Oregon that was moving ahead with helicopter. If it penciled out for them, it should pencil out for us.
Chief Schultz then compared it to an area in the Black Hills that has a similar issue with steep ground and needing a tether. If you increase the volume, there was more certainty for the operator so they will leave their equipment for a longer period and the costs go down. They are also not putting that cost onto the mill, they are instead doing a IRCT contract and we are paying the additional cost. If Katkee was truly over 75 million feet that was a huge chunk to have some predictability.
Chairman Robertson stated that there was also a large amount of tractor ground with this project and we have asked if they switch the two to get money up front. But were told it would delay the project by two years. Mr. Gilloon stated that was a rough estimate. We need to get a better plan and a better estimate on it.
Chief Schultz stated we could also talk to NSF to see if we can direct some of the work they are doing in this area. We might have some options. Chief Schultz asked again about the total and it was reconfirmed that conservative numbers were 50 million for the entire project.
Chairman Robertson asked if most of the volume was on the tractor or helicopter side. Ms. Fuller stated it was on the tractor side. Chief Schultz stated that if we lead with the helicopter side, we need to cover that difference to get a $500 log.
Mr. Gilloon said one of the things we are looking at was can we flip the projects and get some of those receipts to help with the cost of the helicopter. Concurrently could we get in on the front part and treat some fuel breaks on the edges of the private ground. The County could perhaps help us with access to help create those fuel breaks.
Chairman Robertson asked if they have started having conversations with property owners. Ms. Fuller responded yes. Chairman Robertson said that will be a challenge to get from the private to federal because it gets steep very quickly at the bottom.
Chief Shultz asked if the landowners will give access. Chairman Robertson said that some will for sure, others probably will not.
Chairman Robertson stated that he likes to focus on the timeline. Originally it was next year for the helicopter, and now we may have to reverse it, which moved it to two years. It seems like it was ready to go if we get Boulder Dash completed. Chairman Robertson asked what was the issue that was holding up the tractor portion from moving forward. Ms. Fuller explained that because we are using emergency consultation for the Boulder project we no longer have to hold to the phasing and are now working concurrently. Katkee was hinging on having the BMU up to compliance before it could start. Having the BMU into compliance means we can move forward sooner. Heather then explained metrics for BMU’s or bear management units.
Mr. Gilloon then discussed the locks and gate challenges with the bear requirements and litigation.
Chief Schultz stated that the fundamental problem was that the whole Grizzly bear research was fundamentally flawed and needs to be redone. Until then we have to figure out a way to work within the framework.
Mr. Gilloon said that in the near term, he wants to manage and get things out without litigation. Chief Schultz stated that he understood the mechanisms that they need to work through for the tractor piece. However, let’s look at the helicopter piece and take a hard look at the volume per acre that we are removing. If you can increase the volume, you can get the cost down. We can then bring money to the table to look at offsetting some of the additional costs.
Mr. Gilloon stated that he will look at some of those refinements and implement some shifting.
Chairman Robertson stated that Katkee was our highest risk area. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that it backs up to thousands of acres of private land and homes. Chief Schultz also suggested looking at the funding included in the next fiscal year starting October 1, and bring some of that money back to the area.
Chairman Robertson asked how can we help get that funding to Boundary County. Chief Schultz stated, I think you have already done that, you are here at the table. We now need to get Chuck Roady to make sure the volume per acre was right to get the cost to where it needs to be. We then need to have a discussion with the purchasers.
Mr. Gilloon stated that he would call Mr. Roady to have that conversation. Ms. Bales added that the fuels piece was an important part to factor in to get creative on the funding. Chief Schultz added that the fuels budget was typically 30% and that number was increasing in the next budget. Some of that funding that has probably not been a part of this dialogue in the past, will increase.
Mr. Gilloon stated that the staff in Bonners Ferry has done an excellent job and he has 100% confidence in Ms. Fuller’s experience. Commissioners agreed.
Chairman Robertson asked if we can do small direct sales on the easily salvageable stuff on the Kootenai Complex. Mr. Gilloon stated that we would need to do NEPA for that or at least a CU to cover it.
Ms. Fuller said we did roadside salvage. Chairman Robertson said you did in one area. Ms. Fuller said we could look at other areas, but should probably do a field trip and have some conversations. There are concerns in terms of what was viable from both a tree standpoint and for hydro.
Chairman Robertson stated that what he was going off of was what Commissioner Bertling, who cuts trees for a living, and Chuck Roady. They go out together and report that there are pockets of viable timber. I then hear otherwise at these meetings. Ms. Fuller stated that I am not saying that there isn’t, but the challenge will be, how do we get to it.
Commissioner Bertling said there wasn’t a lot, but there are really dense pockets. Chairman Robertson stated so it might be perfect for the small-scale program.
Mr. Gilloon stated that they are going to be as liberal as possible to get treatment on the landscape. We will revisit and use the new tools we have been given.
Chief Schultz stated to work backwards and give acreage numbers to your contractors so that they can go in search of areas to bring back for discussions on treatment.
The meeting ended at 10:51 a.m.
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TIM BERTLING, Acting Chairman
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BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk