Cobalt Helo Salvage Sale; Salmon and Challis National Forests, Lemhi County, Idaho

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The USDA-Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze and disclose the environmental impacts of a proposal to salvage harvest timber and construct helicopter landings in the Panther Creek Watershed located about 35 miles southwest of Salmon, Idaho. The proposed Cobalt Helo project is located within portions of two inventoried roadless areas, the South Panther Creek (#13504A) and the Deep Creek (#13509) roadless areas, as well as outside roadless areas. The analysis area is immediately adjacent to Panther Creek which is eligible for consideration as a recreational segment in the wild and scenic river system. This EIS will tier to the Salmon National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and EIS, which provide overall guidance for achieving the desired future condition of the area. The purpose of the proposed action is to salvage merchantable green Douglas-fir and standing dead Douglas-fir trees to reduce the risk of a stand replacing fire; improve residual stand health and vigor by reducing competition for moisture and nutrients through basal area reduction; create conditions favorable for natural Douglas-fir regeneration; and maintain and enhanc