FOREST EXPOSITION ~ framed for sixth graders, this program starts the students on a forest environment education program within the classroom. Each student is provided a workbook that covers various topics, all having to do with our forests. In May (for the past three years) the students travel to the Priest River Experimental Forest (PREF) to experience a full day of hands on expositions. The various stations are Forest Health and Management, Tree and Plant Identification, Fire Ecology, Forest Recreation, Fish and Wildlife (species and track identification, habitat and hydrology), Forest Products, Papermaking, a Tree Harvesting demonstration, PREF History and Weather (observation of the local weather station and equipment, etc.) PCFC has gathered an impressive number of community volunteers (35) to help serve our students' needs throughout this learning experience. Participation is open to any community person.

FORESTRY EDUCATION ~ PCFC will continue supplementing and supporting the highly successful forestry program at Priest River Lamanna High School. Headed by science teacher, Jared Hughes, students engage in classroom and field studies during both semesters. There are two forestry classes being offered as well as the "honors" advanced forestry class. The class then participates in the annual Idaho State Forestry Contest in May.

BIOMASS RESEARCH AND PARTNERSHIPS ~ PCFC is currently inviting folks experienced with the biomass issues of our region and beyond for roundtable discussions. We are sending members to various conferences to further our knowledge and to network with those most involved with this rising business and concern. One main focus is to see if we can put together a biomass generated heating system for the West Bonner County School District. PCFC will continue to search out and respond to grant possibilities as well.

PRIEST RIVER FORMER LANDFILL RESTORATION PROJECT ~ In the Fall of 2009, PCFC was approached by the City of Priest River and the Priest River Urban Renewal Agency to see if they would be interested in taking on the restoration of the former landfill on the north end of town. Due to Brownfields funding requirements, the property must be removed from City ownership. PCFC's status of successfully completing restoration projects in and around the community as well as their experience working with federal government regulations and specifications, seemed to be the perfect fit. Ownership of the landfill property was transferred to PCFC in March of 2010. PCFC is currently working with TerraGraphics Environmental Engineering to develop a workplan. After community comment, the project will be on the ground (August 2010). After the restoration work is complete, PCFC plans on developing the property into a community park with access along the Priest River, which is currently unavailable to the public.

GRANITE CREEK SUBBASIN LARGE WOOD REPLEINSHMENT PROJECT ~ Segments of Granite Creek in the Washington side of the Priest Lake Ranger District are currently suffering from large amounts of sediment. Historically, logging practices required taking large wood out of creekbeds, the thought being that this was a clean-up method. During high flow events, large wood is pushed out of the creek as well. Lack of wood in streams results in poor fish habitat and poor channel structure which can lead to catastrophic events in the creek system. PCFC has been asked by the Panhandle National Forest and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to partner with them in replenishing the wood debris in Granite Creek. Funding for the project may be forthcoming and will be decided in late August 2010.

HIGHWAY 57 CORRIDOR PROJECT ~ For over five years, PCFC facilitated talks and plans between the Idaho Transportation Department and the Forest Service to clear the right-of-way along Highway 57 from Priest River to Priest Lake. The safety issues along this corridor are extreme: dead and dying hazard trees are falling onto the roadway on a daily basis, wildlife is impossible to see until it is on the roadway creating dangerous collisions between travelers and the animals, and due to the highly shadowed situations frost, ice and snow does not melt off as quickly as is desirable. Daylighting the roadway will help with all of these issues. Due to some bureaucratic concerns from the Regional Office of the Forest Service, the project was delayed for a couple of years but was successfully bid on in recent months. We are committed to dealing with the above issues and with improving the safety of this important north south travel corridor.

LAKEFACE-LAMB FOREST PROJECT ~ PCFC closed this stewardship project with the Forest Serviced at the end of 2007. Though this was a long road, the successes of this project will be felt throughout our forest and communities for years to come.

The PCFC would like to invite all local citizens to help PCFC carry on the momentum that we have already gathered. The PCFC is grateful for your valuable help and cooperation. A united community will bring pride, success and profitable opportunities.