Ranger districts may merge

The Kootenai National Forest is considering consolidating the Rexford and Fortine ranger districts and is seeking public comments on that proposal.

Combining the districts could result in office location changes, even though the intent is to continue providing some level of public services to the communities.

The Rexford Ranger District currently has an office in Eureka. The Fortine Ranger District has an office at Murphy Lake south of Fortine.

The districts have been reorganizing personnel since 2008. That has been accomplished through attrition; the consolidation is not expected to result in further loss of positions.

Questions or comments can be directed to Betty Holder at 882-4451 or 296-2536.