Valley County, ID (CBS2) — In the aftermath of the Rock Fire, which ignited on Aug. 12, 2025, and scorched nearly 2,800 acres across the Boise National Forest, Payette National Forest, and Idaho Endowment Trust lands, the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has been praised for its rapid response in preparing and auctioning salvage timber. This effort aimed to protect public resources, reduce hazards, and preserve the remaining timber value.
The salvage operation, one of the fastest turnarounds seen by IDL foresters, was made possible through strong coordination with the Boise National Forest, Payette National Forest, and the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) program. Early planning and collaboration allowed salvage activities to commence while the fire was still active, reducing safety hazards and increasing the value of burned timber before deterioration occurred.
“This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when agencies work side-by-side with shared priorities,” said Jon Songster, GNA’s Bureau Chief. “The speed of this effort not only reduced safety risks for the public but also ensured that resources were put to good use — a real win for Tamarack, the Forest Service, and the citizens of Idaho.”…