RATHDRUM - The city of Rathdrum is preparing to have a selective timber harvest performed on the 575 acres it owns on Rathdrum Mountain behind the town.

The last time the city had its property thinned for forest management was 2000.

The management plan calls for a cut every 10 years, but the city held off on taking action a few years ago due to the downturn in the timber industry and the forest's health holding steady.

Chris Hansen of Bayview's Hansen Timber Management, which the city contracts with for the service, said the city is expected to receive between $300,000 and $400,000 for the cut.

"The money could be used for parks or other General Fund projects in the future," said Brett Boyer, city administrator.

It hasn't been decided whether the cut will be performed this year or next year. The city council recently decided to allow Hansen to move ahead with preliminary work such as marking trees and accepting bids.

At the downturn, lumber prices were about $200 per 1,000 board feet, but have increased to more than $400.

Hansen, city officials and the nonprofit Friends of Rathdrum Mountain, which supports the sale, agree that the cut aimed at cleaning up the area and preventing disease won't be noticeable from the city or Rathdrum Prairie.

"(Hansen) is careful to identify only those damaged or diseased trees whose removal will improve the overall health of the forest," said Jim Ochenkoski of the Friends of Rathdrum Mountain. "Citizens will be hard-pressed to see any evidence of his selective logging except for a more robust and fire-resistant stand of trees."

Hansen said the cut should also assist with the city's vision of having recreation trails on the mountain some day. There's already a road system in place, and the city has been working with property owners on access hurdles off Barrett Road for several years.

Hansen will receive 8 percent of the net profit for his service after the logging cost is deducted.