Idaho Land Board Opts for Helicopter Logging in Salvage Sale

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — State officials have given their OK to modify a northern Idaho timber sale to include helicopter logging that will cost the state up to $1.5 million in lost revenue.

The Idaho Land Board voted 4-0 on Tuesday following a federal court ruling earlier this month that put the Selway Fire Salvage timber sale on hold by temporarily banning the use of a contested U.S. Forest Service road. Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter says it's disappointing but the Land Board had little choice.

The restraining order issued in U.S. District Court July 10 prevents use of the road over private property and that's within a Wild and Scenic River corridor. State foresters say the state will still make at least $500,000 despite the added expense of using helicopters.