In the absence of Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Paul Bradford, rangers from area districts stepped up and apprised Lincoln County Commissioners last Wednesday, assigning a number to this year’s timber harvest of more than 39 million board feet. 

Veteran forester Betty Holder wore two hats, first updating Commissioners on the Fortine District and then giving the general report in Bradford’s absence.

Holder said the KNF sold Thirsty Knife, East 255 Trib, Young Dodge and “a few small sales for a little over 35 million board feet,” she said of sales in Fortine and Rexford districts.

Holder said Young Dodge was to sell in 2013, but was moved up. Young Dodge constituted about half of the sales, or about 17 mmbf.

Holder said because Young Dodge was moved up to this year from next, sales next year won’t appear too numerous.

She did say the KNF is planning Little Lookout and Clingford for sale in early 2014.

Holder said work is continuing on the final EIS for the Montanaore Project, specifically mentioning consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.