On August 7, 2013, a lightning strike ignited the Beaver Creek Fire northwest of Hailey, Idaho. The fire grew to 111,490 acres before it was suppressed. One home was destroyed. The area, dependent on income brought by the tourists seeking outdoor recreation opportunities, experienced a $42 million decline in area sales during this quarter. The fire and subsequent severe flooding that resulted from heavy rains on slopes denuded of vegetation, caused major damage to wildlife habitat, watersheds, and roads, trails, and other recreational infrastructure. Two years later, an enormous amount of work remains to be done to restore both the landscape and to repair the recreation system.
In the aftermath of the fire, many individuals and organizations took action to address problems within their own sectors. However, it was soon recognized that coordination, communication, and collective action would result in greater positive results and thus, the 5B Restoration Coalition was formed. Facilitated by the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the Coalition is comprised of federal, state, and local government officials, private property owners, and representatives from other community interests, including recreation, economic development, and conservation organizations.
The Coalition held an evening picnic on June 5th at the lovely home of Dan and Martine Drackett to celebrate accomplishments and share plans with the community for upcoming projects. Over 250 people gathered to enjoy the beautiful spring night. The event was hosted by the Dracketts, Lynn Campion-Waddell and the NFF.
Bill Possiel, NFF president, announced at the event that the NFF will provide a challenge match of up to $100,000 to leverage private funds raised to support the work of the Coalition. Possiel noted, “To maintain a strong and viable public lands system, it is critical for the communities that depend on them to play a leading role in determining their future. The 5B Restoration Coalition provides a vehicle to harness energies of the diverse stakeholders and interests to do something bigger and better by working together.”
For the next several years, the 5B Restoration Coalition will concentrate its restoration efforts on the Deer Creek watershed. The Coalition made Deer Creek a priority for several reasons: nearly 70 percent of the drainage was impacted by the fire; Deer Creek is crucial fish and wildlife habitat; and it is a vital recreational area for the Valley.
To donate to the 5B Restoration Fund and have your gift matched by the NFF, click here and type “5B” in the promotional code. To learn more about the 5B Restoration Coalition visit: Sites.google.com/site/5brestorationcoalitionsite/.
