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Forest Service extends Upper Big Wood project timeline, pledges more outreach
Summary
The U.S. Forest Service extended the decision timeline for the Upper Big Wood Vegetation Management Project to September to allow additional on‑the‑ground stakeholder engagement, and Forest Service staff outlined a steering‑committee structure to guide implementation.
The U.S. Forest Service on May 26 extended the decision timeline for the Upper Big Wood Vegetation Management Project to September and described a collaborative steering‑committee and working‑group approach to guide implementation.
The extension was announced by Nelson Mills, Sawtooth National Recreation Area timber and silviculture program manager, who said the longer timeline will allow additional stakeholder engagement and on‑the‑ground review. The Blaine County Board of Commissioners voiced support for the extension and emphasized the need for meaningful public involvement and clear communication about timber treatments and other project elements.
Forest Service officials earlier reported a suite of agency activities, including staffing recruitment and planned projects such as an aerial treatment of roughly 1,400 acres in the Deer Creek drainage to address cheatgrass and restore native vegetation. Ketchum District Ranger Bobbi Filbert and SNRA Area Ranger Michael Fuller described early‑season fire preparedness, and Fuller explained that some positions are funded but contingent on federal hiring approvals.
Public commenters urged stronger outreach. Kristine Hilt Spangenberger of Project Big Wood asked whether recent policy changes affect public‑comment opportunities and whether fire‑retardant practices would change in the watershed. Nick Miller of the Hemingway Chapter of Trout Unlimited said prior outreach felt insufficient and urged a more collaborative process. Forest Service staff responded that retardant buffer policy remains unchanged, noting a “300‑foot avoidance zone around waterways,” and said working groups would incorporate design features such as scenic protections and ADA trail considerations.
County officials said they would consider a concise follow‑up letter to the Forest Service identifying county concerns and indicating support for ongoing collaboration. The Forest Service’s announced extension to September is intended to allow additional stakeholder meetings and on‑the‑ground engagement before a project decision.
The Board offered to participate in further coordination and educational outreach as the Forest Service proceeds toward its revised decision timeline.
