Forest Managers are very careful about wildlife and other forest resources. Timber harvests are planned around sensitive mating and calving times. Forest managers also work with State Fish and Game officials to enhance and protect fish and wildlife habitat. For example, some logging roads are closed and reseeded following harvest. This protects soil and reduces disturbance to wildlife.

Stream Protection

Special rules and laws to protect water quality require that stands of trees along the banks of creeks and streams remain as streamside buffer areas. These areas help protect fish spawning beds, keep the water cool, and provide cover and habitat for birds and wildlife. Idaho has a law that protects the water in Idaho's forests. It's called the Forest Practices Act and helps implement one of the toughest pieces of environmental legislation in the country, the Clean Water Act. Under the Act, Idaho forestry professionals and forest resource companies work together to develop "Best Management Practices" that are designed to prevent environmental damage.

Managing to Restore and Improve Forest Health

Where species and sites allow, older, diseased and insect-prone trees are removed to give younger, stronger trees room to grow. In many cases, this improves wildlife habitat, too. Treating the forest by thinning, harvesting, replanting with stringer, disease-resistant trees, and managing fuels can all help keep a forest alive and healthy.


Watch a short informational video clip about Forest Health:

Forest Health...Disease Infestation and Fire