Forests played a vital role in Idaho history

And hold tremendous promise for our future

People have appreciated the social, economic and environmental benefits of Idaho forests for centuries.  From indigenous people to white European explorers, from missionaries to Oregon Trail settlers and from prospectors to timber barons, Idaho forests provided the resources for daily survival and the means to help build Idaho and a nation.

While management techniques have changed dramatically in the last century, the same forests that helped build our nation over a century ago continue to provide good jobs, high-quality wood and paper products and cultural experiences today.   

In this section, learn about the early history of Idaho forests, the fire of 1910, the emergence of National Forests and the evolution of forest management and production.