USFS Land Exchange

Map is at the bottom of the page which shows all areas to be exchanged

RAC LAND EXCHANGE COMMITTEE CHAIR

DAVID WILHELM

carpediem@icehouse.net

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT DAVE FOR MORE INFORMATION

PLEASE WRITE, CALL EMAIL, ANYTHING.... OUR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (CLEARWATER COUNTY) & OUR STATE LEGISLATORS 

THE FOREST SERVICE DOES NOT HAVE ANOTHER PUBLIC INPUT UNTIL THIS FALL, PLEASE, CALL, EMAIL, WRITE LETTERS,

WE JUST RECEIVED OUR PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS AND THOUGH EVERY WHERE ELSE IN THE COUNTY HAS SEEN A DECREASE ELK RIVER HAS INCREASED 100% !!!! AND THIS IS OVER A 3 YEAR BUYING TIME PERIOD AND APPROXIMATELY 6 HOUSES,,,, TO HAVE MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT OCCUR HERE WOULD CRUSH THE TOWN, LITERALLY....

Points:

·        If the land is to be cut for timber, we realize the county would receive a significant “one time only” amount of revenue from the sale of said timber.  But the detrimental long term effects could make that significant amount undesirable. We would be interested in allowing the land deal with stipulations placed on the agreement to restrict the amount of land which could be parceled out in the future, and would like to have the land replanted. This would ensure the quality of life we all need to sustain economic growth with relation to the recreation and tourism industry and the timber industry for this region.

·        If the land is sold to private individuals, this could cause a serious problem related to safety issues.  Clearwater County Sheriff Office and Ambulance Services are already burdened with relation to covering the vast area we now serve.  And the Elk River Volunteer Fire Department is not prepared to handle this kind of growth in the near future.

·        Unattended properties (Part time residents) are a much higher risk for fire, theft and vandalism.

·        The revenues which are now being collected by Clearwater County are highly funded by the recreation and tourism dollars spent in and around Elk River.  Reducing access to this area could sharply impact the Hunting and Fishing funds, ATV and Snowmobile Registrations, and patronage of the local businesses.

·        High End, Vacation homes outside of town could severely impact the property values in town.

·        Highway District could be negatively impacted as well – snow removal, access, etc….

·        Environmental concerns with regard to watersheds, sewage and garbage removal and pick up.

The points listed above merely touch on a view of the critical points and concerns we have with regards to this land deal.  Please feel free to add your own concerns.

Elk River RAC (Regional Action Corporation)

PO Box 122 Elk River, Id 83827

208-826-3275  tdelphous@turbonet.com  www.elkriverlodge.net