After weeks of study and consultation, Boundary County Commissioners invoked a federal law to be included as participants in the process currently underway to designate over 600-square-miles of North Idaho and eastern Washington as a critical caribou habitat.

Not by demanding, by agreeing, commissioners will coordinate with all federal and state agencies on matters affecting the citizens of Boundary County so as to protect the public interest.

Shortly after adopting the resolution, county commissioners approved a letter, sent by email to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Idaho State Officer Brian Kelly.

The letter acknowledged the county had taken the official step of adopting the resolution necessary to invoke their intent to coordinate with a federal agency.

The letter requested to move forward with “a meeting which will begin the interactive communication required for meaningful coordination.”

Commissioners have requested the USFWS participate in at least two public meetings during which they could explain the ramifications and potential impacts of their proposal.

Thanks to the efforts of local officials throughout the impacted areas, the USFWS has all but formally agreed to extend a nearly impossible deadline for public comment.

The initial meeting is set for Jan. 31, for at least 60 days.