Kamiah Forest Service office closes due to budget cuts

As of Oct. 1, the Kamiah Office of the Clearwater National Forest will no longer be open for public information services.

"The Forest Service as a whole is working to achieve financial health by 'tightening our belts'. This has resulted in fewer positions across the forest, and has forced us to change the way we do business." stated Forest Supervisor Tom Reilly.

In addition, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has capped the amount of funds the agency can spend on administrative positions, limiting agency "frontline" employees to one per District. The Forest can no longer provide these services in two offices less than 10 miles apart.

Visitor information services will continue to be provided at the Forest Service Office in Kooskia. The Forest Service is hoping to interest several businesses in Kamiah in selling Forest Service maps, firewood permits and Christmas tree permits. More information will be forthcoming on those locations.

Forest visitor information is also available at the local Chamber of Commerce Office and on line at http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater/index.htm. For further information, call the Kooskia Ranger District at 208-926-4274.