Boundary County Commissioners Participate in Historic Meeting with U.S. Forest
Service Leadership in Coeur d’Alene
PRESS RELEASE – The Boundary County Board of Commissioners announced today that they participated in a historic and unprecedented meeting on Thursday, August 21, hosted by the U.S. Forest Service in Coeur d’Alene.
This event marked a rare gathering of the agency’s top leadership to discuss the forest management needs and priorities of Boundary County. In attendance were U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, Regional Forester Kristan Bale, Forest Supervisor Tim Gilloon, and Bonners Ferry District Ranger Heather Fuller.
Commissioners Chairman Ben Robertson, Tim Bertling, and Lester Pinkerton represented
Boundary County. The meeting brought together all four levels of Forest Service leadership
with the county’s elected officials, demonstrating a clear commitment to collaboration and
problem-solving.
New Direction from Chief Schultz
A significant outcome of the meeting was Chief Schultz’s request that Boundary County strengthen its forest partnership role through the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA). Chief Schultz recommended that the county consider hiring a Small Timber Sales Forester to work directly with Forest Service staff to identify, plan, and develop timber sale opportunities. This professional would also support the identification of recreation enhancements, helping diversify and strengthen the county’s economic base.
Critical Priorities
The discussion also focused on wildfire mitigation in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), sustainable forest management, and economic stability through responsible timber harvest.
Of particular importance was the Katkee Fuels Project, identified as an urgent need to protect lives, property, and resources by accelerating hazardous fuels treatment. Chairman Ben Robertson stated, “This meeting was a significant step forward for our county. To have the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and his leadership team sit down with us shows that our challenges are being recognized at the national and regional levels. We are committed to turning these discussions into tangible results.”
Commissioner Tim Bertling emphasized the economic and safety aspects, adding, “Boundary County’s future depends on balanced and proactive forest management. The willingness of the Forest Service to explore pilot projects and new strategies gives us hope that these goals are within reach.”
Commissioner Lester Pinkerton highlighted the importance of strong local leadership, stating, “Chief Schultz’s vision for modernized forest management is encouraging, and District Ranger Heather Fuller continues to demonstrate exceptional leadership on the ground. Her steady guidance is essential to the success of projects like Katkee Fuels.”
While no sustained harvest target was finalized during the meeting, the Commissioners and
Forest Service leaders agreed to continue developing joint strategies to improve forest health, enhance community safety, and support the county’s timber industry.
For additional information, please contact the Boundary County Commissioners’ Office (208) 267-7723