North Idaho Forest Legacy Project Protects Working Lands

Collaborative effort preserves privately owned timber acreage near Spokane.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:00am

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A highly textured abstract painting in earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular patterns, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex interconnected systems of a sustainable working forest ecosystem.A collaborative conservation project preserves a vital working forest in northern Idaho, balancing economic and environmental needs.Coeur d'Alene Today

The first phase of the Spirit of Mount Spokane Forest Legacy Project has protected a significant portion of privately owned, working forest land in northern Idaho. The project was a collaboration between the Trust for Public Land, Inland Empire Paper Co., the USDA Forest Service, and the Idaho Department of Lands, aimed at preserving this forested area between Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Spokane.

Why it matters

The protection of working forests is crucial for maintaining sustainable timber supplies, preserving wildlife habitats, and upholding the region's natural character. This project represents a successful public-private partnership to safeguard an important economic and environmental resource in the Pacific Northwest.

The details

The Spirit of Mount Spokane Forest Legacy Project secured a conservation easement on the privately owned forest land, ensuring it will remain in active timber production while also protecting its ecological values. This first phase of the project preserved a significant portion of the overall targeted acreage, with plans to expand the protected area in future phases.

  • The first phase of the project was completed in March 2026.

The players

Trust for Public Land

A national non-profit organization that works to protect land for public use and conservation.

Inland Empire Paper Co.

A private timber company that owns and manages working forests in the Pacific Northwest region.

USDA Forest Service

The federal agency responsible for managing and protecting national forests and grasslands.

Idaho Department of Lands

The state agency that oversees the management of Idaho's public lands, including forests and natural resources.

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What they’re saying

“This project demonstrates how public and private partners can come together to protect working forests that are vital to local economies and the environment.”

— Diane Snider, Northwest Director, Trust for Public Land

What’s next

The project partners plan to expand the protected area in future phases, working to preserve more of the region's working forests.

The takeaway

The Spirit of Mount Spokane Forest Legacy Project is a model for how collaborative conservation efforts can balance economic and environmental needs, ensuring the long-term sustainability of working forests in the Pacific Northwest.