Governing body U.S. Forest Service Established 1912 | ||
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Area 3,220,000 acres (13,000 km) Website Idaho Panhandle National Forests Management United States Forest Service Profiles | ||
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests are a jointly administered set of three national forests located in the U.S. state of Idaho. Approximately 22.4% of the forest (in the Kaniksu portion) extends into the states of Montana (14.1%) and Washington (8.3%). The IPNF were created in 2000 to administer three separate national forests that continue to manage themselves somewhat separately through district offices. The Coeur d'Alene, St. Joe, and Kaniksu National Forests together occupy 3,224,739-acre (5,038.66 sq mi, or 13,050.06 km2) in northern Idaho (better known as the Idaho Panhandle). The northernmost portion of the IPNF share a boundary with Canada. Its headquarters are located in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
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Wildlife
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests contain a wide variety of wildlife. White-tailed deer, mule deer, raccoons, elk, grizzly bears, moose, black bears, coyotes, timber wolves, skunks, cougars, marten, beavers, river otters, bobcats, minks, and wolverines are often seen by visitors.
Bird species include ravens, wild turkey, blue jays, California quail, numerous species of grouse, osprey, golden eagle, bald eagle and numerous types of owls. The rivers and lakes in the Panhandle hold some of the best fishing locations in the world.
Wilderness areas
There are two officially designated wilderness areas within Idaho Panhandle National Forests that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Both lie within the Kaniksu National Forest section and extend into neighboring National Forests (as indicated).