Boise National Forest Issues Flat Post-Fire Recovery Decision

BOISE, Idaho, April 24, 2025 — The Boise National Forest has issued a decision for its post-fire recovery efforts on the 2024 Flat Fire which burned 2,832 acres of National Forest lands three miles east of Pioneerville. Work will focus on hazard tree mitigation for public safety, salvage logging for economic value, reforestation for watershed recovery, and protecting recovery efforts by addressing unauthorized access.

“Felling hazard trees along motorized routes within the fire perimeter on National Forest land is a top priority,” said Idaho City District Ranger Joshua Newman. “We’ll have saw crews out doing this work once the melting snow allows for road access for forest visitors.”

The public may encounter short-term road delays during hazard tree felling operations. This work is expected to be completed by fall, with monitoring over the next few years.

Commercial harvesting of fire damaged trees along and in the vicinity of roads 380G and 319 will be offered for sale later this spring, totaling up to 411 acres. Salvage logging would provide a vital source of timber to support the region’s forest products economies. 

Reforestation using desired native tree species is being planned on about 1,650 acres where natural regeneration may be limited. This replanting will help to maintain appropriate forest cover and restore the area for wildlife, watershed functionality, and recreational experiences. 

Trail repair and stabilization will occur along trail 163 to prevent trail structure loss and soil erosion. Structures will be placed at the beginning of trails 163 and 690 to allow for currently authorized motor vehicles 50 inches or less. Natural barriers will be positioned at key locations to discourage the creation of unauthorized motor vehicle routes.

The Flat Fire was one of many large fires on the Forest in 2024. This decision is the first of several post-fire recovery efforts aimed at addressing safety concerns, salvage logging opportunities and reforestation needs. 

Questions regarding the Flat Fire Recovery Project can be sent to the Idaho City Ranger District at 208-392-3700 or emailed to SM.FS.boise_inbox@usda.gov.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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