After Boundary County Commissioners formally invoked their intent to coordinate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service earlier this month and asked for an extension of a public comment period that ends January 30 regarding the establishment of critical habitat for the woodland caribou, the Service’s state supervisor, Brian Kelly, has agreed.

In a letter to commission chair Ron Smith, dated January 20, Kelly acknowledged receiving the request, as well as an additional similar request from Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, and agreed to a 60-day extension, during which a series of public informational meetings will be held, during which citizens can learn the details of the proposed designation and how it might impact the local communities, as well as two public hearings, during which those affected can officially make their points of view known to the federal agency.

“Paramount to my consideration of your request was how we could provide the broadest opportunity for Boundary County residents to express their comments regarding our proposal prior to the Service’s final decision,” Kelly wrote. “With that in mind, per your request, the service will extend the amount of time people can comment by opening an additional 60-day comment period after the current comment period closes, and schedule two public hearings.”

As proposed, the USFWS recommends setting aside more than 600-square miles in the Selkirks in North Idaho and Washington, the majority of those lands situated in Boundary County.

“I’m pleased that Mr. Kelly has been responsive to our request for greater public involvement,” Smith said. “This proposal, if approved, will have significant impacts on the citizens of Boundary County, and the initial comment period didn’t provide sufficient time for them to learn what this proposal will mean in time to allow them to respond. With the 60-day extension, and meetings during which people can learn more about the scope of the proposal, along with local public hearings, they’ll be better able to submit effective comments that will be included in the public record and considered before a final decision is made.”

The USFWS must publish notice in the Federal Register prior to re-opening the public comment period, a process that takes time, so formal public announcement won’t be made until after the current January 30 comment deadline passes.

County commissioners are coordinating with Kelly to schedule the meetings and public hearings, which will most likely be held in the Becker Auditorium at Bonners Ferry High School, and will announce the dates and times as soon as they are firmed up.

“It’s important for the people who will be affected to take part during this extended comment period,” Smith said. “It’s also important that people recognize that there is a difference between a public meeting, which will be conducted by county commissioners and during which people can ask questions and gather information, and a public hearing, which will be conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, during which people will be able to express their points of view on the record.”