Idaho County Seeks Reclassification of 1.7 Million Roadless Acres

Dear IAC Members,

On September 29, 2026, the Idaho County Board of Commissioners notified Governor Little that it intends to request a change to the management classifications of the 1,727,241 Idaho Roadless acres within the county. Only 75 of those acres are currently classified as General Forest, Rangeland and Grassland, the least restrictive theme. The county says the current classifications have hampered wildfire protection, access, forest health and timber projects on the Nez Perce-Clearwater. Under 36 CFR 294.27(b), the Forest Service Chief can modify these classifications based on “changed circumstances or public need” without new rulemaking. Idaho County is asking that all of its roadless acres be moved to the General Forest theme; the lands would remain Idaho Roadless Areas. The county has asked the Governor for a staff point of contact and help from the Roadless Commission. It plans to submit its formal request by November 1, 2026, and has said it will work with other counties and National Forests that want to pursue similar changes. To view this request, click here.

If your county wants to talk about this further, including whether a similar request makes sense for roadless areas in your county, please contact Clay at cboeckel@idcounties.org.