The Idaho Panhandle National Forests were created in 1973 to administer the Coeur d'Alene, Kaniksu, and St. Joe National Forests which encompass 2.5 million acres. We administer lands in 3 states: Idaho, Montana, and Washington and have agreements with Canada and Mexico. Elevation on the forest ranges from 2100 to 7600 feet with as much as 80 inches of precipitation at high elevations. There are approximately 400 species of wildlife, including lynx and grizzly bear. There are 73 fish species in the many streams and lakes. The IPNF is a large forest employing over 300 permanent employees working in all resource areas and hundreds more employees during the field season.