Retiring forest supervisor says there are no plans to shut down local offices
According to retiring U.S. Forest Service Supervisor Tom Reilly there are no plans in the works to shut down forest service offices in Orofino or Grangeville. Reilly, who is head of the Clearwater National Forest in Orofino and acting supervisor of the Nez Perce National Forest, said some consolidation of administrative duties are likely in the future.
Reilly, who is retiring July 1, spoke to the Idaho County Commissioners Tuesday about the consolidation issue. The two forests share resources for fire, recreation and other programs.
Reilly also addressed the Lochsa Land Exchange issue. He said the forests are working on a plan that would trade various tracts of public lands in Idaho and Latah counties and the Panhandle for about 39,000 acres of privately owned property in the Upper Lochsa river drainage. The proposal has drawn opposition.
Reilly stated that a team is looking at ways the proposal could move ahead while continuing to take into consideration some of the apprehension of those opposed to the plan.