IDFG and U.S. Forest Service Partner Through Good Neighbor Authority to Address Windstorm Damage in Lochsa River Campgrounds

Restoration efforts remain underway at the Wendover and Whitehouse Campgrounds along the upper Lochsa River and U.S. Highway 12 corridor following a series of large-scale wind events that caused significant damage to the area.

Windstorms swept through the river canyon, generating gusts that uprooted mature trees, snapped large conifers, and scattered heavy debris across developed recreation sites. The storms resulted in extensive blowdown, infrastructure damage, and numerous standing hazard trees that posed immediate risks to public safety.

Damage Assessment:

• Extensive blowdown throughout campground loops, with large trees toppled and root systems exposed.
• Severe infrastructure damage, including crushed picnic tables, damaged restroom facilities, and blocked access roads.
• Heavy accumulations of vegetation debris, with branches, limbs, and canopy material covering campsites and travel routes.
• Numerous standing hazard trees with broken tops, split trunks, or unstable lean, posing a high risk of failure into developed areas.

In response, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) are leveraging the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) partnership to restore the campgrounds.

Restoration activities include clearing blowdown, removing hazardous standing trees, repairing damaged facilities, reopening access routes, and restoring safe conditions for public use. Efforts also include the removal and sale of merchantable timber from trees that were blown down or have become hazard trees within campground boundaries. Proceeds from timber sales will help offset restoration costs.

Public safety remains priority as crews work to stabilize the sites and prepare the campgrounds for future reopening. Visitors are encouraged to respect posted closures and avoid entering active work areas.

For more information, please contact Tara Ball, Regional Wildlife Biologist, Clearwater GNA Lead 208-750-4219.