BOISE, Idaho — Idaho is trading 120 acres of steeply forested land near Lake Pend Orieille to Avista Corp. in exchange for a slightly larger parcel of gently rolling timberland a few miles away.
The Spokesman-Review reports the Trestle Creek property near the lake is so steep it can only be logged by helicopter. It also contains critical bull trout habitat.
Avista was interested in the land for a bull trout restoration project, part of a settlement between Avista, federal and state agencies and conservation groups. The settlement outlines a 45-year program of fish and wildlife enhancements funded by the utility to offset impacts of two dams.
The Idaho State Land Board approved the exchange Tuesday.
