Forest Practices Act

New Forest Practices Rules in effect as of March 31, 2022

The Idaho Forest Practices Act promotes active forest management to ensure that the health of forest soil, water, vegetation, wildlife, and aquatic habitat is maintained during the growing and harvesting of forest trees in Idaho.

In 2021 The Forest Practices Advisory Committee voted to recommend language to the State Board of Land Commissions which simplified the “Shade Rule” next to fish-bearing (Class I) streams and refine the definition of Class I streams to apply only to aquatic life beneficial use. Read more about this process on our rulemaking page.

Rules specific to the use of ground-based equipment on steep slopes have also been updated due to technological changes in the industry which allows machinery to operate safely on steep slopes while minimizing soil disturbance.

Read the new Rules Pertaining to the Idaho Forest Practices Act

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Notifications in 2021

Inspections in 2021

Private Forestry Specialist Finder

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IDL Public Regulatory Compliance Application

Create a compliance shape, identify associated features and special cautions, and create a map for the Notification/Compliance document.

Access the Application

Application Guide

Forest Practices Act Streamside Tree Retention Rule

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Compliance/Notification (“slash” or “brush” form)

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Forest Practices Act

IDL administers the Idaho Forest Practices Act (FPA), a law created to promote active forest management and ensure that the health of forest soil, water, vegetation, wildlife, and aquatic habitat is maintained during the growing and harvesting of forest trees in Idaho. IDL provides assistance to landowners to establish healthy, sustainable forests and to promote compliance. Landowner and logger consultations and site inspections ensure continuous growth and harvest of forest tree species; protect soil, air, water and maintain wildlife and aquatic habitat. Idaho’s Forest Practices identify standards for logging, road building, reforestation, streamside protection and other forest practices.

Read the Rules

Forest Practices Act Advisory Committee

The Forest Practices Advisory Committee (FPAC), as established by Idaho Code, provides technical assistance to IDL and the Land Board in matters relating to the Idaho Forest Practices Act. The committee typically meets two or three times per year depending on current issues. It is composed of nine voting members appointed by the IDL director for three-year terms. Members include a fisheries biologist; a nonindustrial private forest landowner; two forest landowners, one from northern Idaho and one from southern Idaho; two forest operators, one from northern Idaho and one from southern Idaho; two informed citizens from northern and southern Idaho; and an at-large member.

FPAC Webpage