Forum scheduled on land access issues

A forum on public and private lands access issues and implications for tourism in North Central Idaho will be held Thursday, March 16, in Orofino.

The forum is sponsored by the North Central Idaho Travel Association (NCITA), the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce Natural Resources Committee, and the Orofino Chamber of Commerce. Participants will discuss land access challenges and opportunities, and potential roles for NCITA to partner with land owners/managers to address the challenges and opportunities. The forum will be held from 9:30 a.m. through lunch at the Ponderosa Restaurant, 220 Michigan Ave. It will be followed by an NCITA general meeting. Everyone is welcome.

The forum panelists are the following:

• Ihor Mereszczak, Zone Forest Plan Revision Staff Officer, Clearwater and Nez Perce National Forests
• Dan Ermovick, Recreation Staff Officer, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
• Aaron Miles, director, Nez Perce Tribe Natural Resources Dept.
• Steve Smith, Regional Resource Manager, Potlatch Corporation
• Ann McCormack, coordinator, Nez Perce Tribe Cultural Arts
• Alex Irby, Region 2 Commissioner, Idaho Fish & Game Commission
• Kim S-Browning, co-owner, Mountain Motor Sports, and member, Public Lands Access Year-Round
• Leo Crane, owner, Clearwater Outfitters, and president, Clearwater Chapter of Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association

Forum panelists will address three questions, followed by discussion with meeting participants:

1. "What are the planning processes and policy decisions that your organization is undertaking at this time related to land/resource management and public access?"
2. "From your perspective, what are the key land/resource management challenges and opportunities for your organization related to tourism development and promotion in north central Idaho?"
3. "From your perspective, how can your organization and NCITA work more closely together to address land/resource management and access challenges and tourism opportunities?"

Advance registration is required. Cost: $15 for NCITA members or $20 for non-member. That includes program, materials, beverages, lunch. After March 10, add $5 to registration the fee. To register, or for more information, contact NCITA at 208-983-2175, or info@northcentralidaho.info.