Forest Management

The Kootenai National Forest contains some of the most diverse and productive forests in the Northern Region of the Forest Service. It is the home of many rare plant and animal species, and it provides a diversity of aquatic and terrestrial habitat. Grizzly bear, Canada lynx, and bull trout are examples of some of these species.

The Kootenai has productive forest lands that contribute to the local and regional supply of forest products and are an important contributor to the local economy. Managing vegetation and fuels, and the production of resources, such as timber, mining and grazing, contribute to people’s livelihoods and remains one of the cornerstones of this Forest. Abundant recreation opportunities also exist on the Kootenai, drawing visitors from far and wide.

The landownership pattern in and near the Kootenai provides many opportunities for collaborative planning and partnership opportunities. The Forest is within and/or encompasses portions of the wildland urban interface, private, state, county, or other federal land, as well as rural communities and population centers. This ownership pattern provides opportunities for people with different interests and values to come together to work toward managing the resources in ways that consider all values and uses of the Forest.