Idaho Speeds Clear Cut Salvage Logging after Wildfires

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — So much Idaho endowment timber land has burned this wildfire season that state officials have altered the salvage sale process to allow clear cuts of 100 acres or more to be approved faster.

The Idaho Land Board voted 5-0 Tuesday to speed salvage logging on an estimated 60 to 80 million board feet of timber that burned this year. State officials say the burned timber is susceptible to insect attack and can quickly lose value.

The 76,000 acres of Idaho endowment lands scorched so far are more than six times the 20-year average. Officials also say Idaho is on the hook for about $50 million in firefighting costs. Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, one of the four Land Board members, says he's thankful the state's wildfire season is winding down.