Replanting our Nation’s Forests
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Clearwater National Forest

Forest Overview

1.8 million acres. Located in North Central Idaho

A vast region of contrasts makes up the Clearwater National Forest. The Nez Perce Indians and later Lewis and Clark, traveled stretches between western Idaho's gently sloping hills of the Palouse Prairie and the craggy peaks of the Bitterroot Mountains. People today go to the Clearwater National Forest to hike, view wildlife, and enjoy the natural hot springs that distinguish Idaho's identity.

In the natural beauty of this forest they discover a wide range of wildlife -- moose, black bear, cougar, gray wolf, and mountain goats. The North Fork of the Clearwater and the Lochsa Rivers spill white water across miles, occasionally stilling to create ponds. Deep between steep canyon walls are the corridors that provided early travel routes. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps followed this historic trail when laying the narrow Lolo Motorway.

The Need for Trees

In August of 2007, the Boundary Junction fire destroyed some 5,000 acres of the forest, most severe on the Lolo Motorway's west flank. White pine blister rust and mountain pine beetle have destroyed additional pines trees.

What We Are Doing

There, reforesting with 81,000 western white pine and western larch will help restore watershed and habitat for the region's wildlife.