Kinnikinnick Chapter Of The Idaho Native Plant Society

November 14, 2002

Sand Creek Byway Committee

Idaho Transportation Dept.

202 2^nd Ave., Suite B

Sandpoint ID 83864

The Conservation Committee of this chapter of the Idaho Native Plant Society walked the proposed byway alignment on Saturday, October 26.  We have several concerns/ questions as a result:

We are concerned that all or most of the large trees at the Sand Creek water's edge will be removed. This is an aesthetic and botanic loss and significantly increases the risk of bank erosion.

In one area the proposed cycling/hiking trail is marked near the water and through a wetland (as noted by the presence of Spirea douglasii). Is there an updated EIS or EA for this proposed trail? If not, an EA seems warranted. It should include the actions proposed to preserve and protect the wetlands and keep people from leaving the trail and degrading the easily accessible waterfront. Have you considered a raised "boardwalk"? We are interested in learning more about this segment of the project.

Lands on the alignment currently owned by ITD are rife with noxious weeds (we observed knapweed and fields of tansy). The disturbance planned provides an invitation for some of our most invasive weeds and only a concerted effort will contain them. What plans are in place to control weeds before and during construction and especially after completion?

Some very healthy, nice looking White pines (our State Tree) are growing in the alignment area, as are some Ponderosa pine. Both are seral species in local decline and we hope you will relocate them. They are well worth saving and will be an attractive amenity to the project.

We applaud your stated intent to use native plants in byway landscaping. They will provide a nice sampling of the beauties of our backcountry. We look forward to seeing more specifics as the process moves forward. The landscaping group of our organization would be happy to assist you with this phase of the byway.

Sincerely,