Outdoor news
Invasive species class
The Glacier Institute will offer a free weeklong class about invasive species at the Big Creek Outdoor Education Center on June 21-26. Students will experience real-life job situations and research methods through workshops with area experts. The week will culminate with a public exposition where teachers, parents, partner organizations and the public are invited to listen to the students. For more information, visit online at www.glacierinstitute.org. Application deadline is April 26.
Forest roads
The Flathead National Forest cites warm weather, snow melt and spring rains creating soft road surfaces for implementing annual temporary road closures and load limits. Forest road managers will check conditions and sign roads as “closed” or assign a load limit as appropriate. For updated information, contact the Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger District at 387-3800, the Tally Lake Ranger District at 758-5204 and the Swan Lake Ranger District at 837-7500 or visit online at www.fs.usda.gov/flathead.
Bob volunteers
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation is looking for volunteers interested in working on trails in the wilderness this summer. Projects vary from one to eight days deep in the wilderness area. The Foundation provides food, group gear, pack support and a skilled crew leader. The 2015 season kicks off with a National Trails Day celebration on June 6 in Lincoln with work on trails near the Indian Meadows trailhead. Other opportunities include a six-day trail clearing project in newly designated wilderness along the Rocky Mountain Front and a nine-day project on trails near the historic Big Prairie ranger station. For more information or to pre-register, visit online at www.bmwf.org.
Wilderness meeting
The annual Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex limits of acceptable change meeting will be held at the Choteau Public Library, 17 Main Avenue North, on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interested parties will discuss issues relating to the Bob Marshall, Scapegoat and Great Bear wilderness areas. To learn more, see the spring 2015 newsletter online at www.fs.usda.gov/attmain/flathead/specialplaces.
Camping regs change
New camping restrictions went into effect on all national forest in Montana effective January 2015. According to Regional Closure Order R1-2015-01, a person or group may not occupy a single location for more than 16 consecutive days, meaning an occupied undeveloped or developed camp site within a five air mile radius. After leaving a site that had been occupied for 16 consecutive days, a minimum of seven days must pass before the same person or group can reoccupy the original location. A person or group also may not leave camping equipment or related supplies at any location for more than 16 consecutive days.
Birding classes
Flathead Audubon’s annual series of workshops and field study about our local birds will take place on Wednesday evenings on April 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. Topics will include general bird anatomy, habitat and behavior, the importance of birds and how to identify birds by sounds, markings and silhouettes. To register, mail or drop off a $10 registration fee at Flathead High School, 644 Fourth Avenue West, Kalispell MT 59901, Attn: Debbie Newman. Checks should be made to School District 5. A confirmation letter will be sent with class information. For more information, contact Patti Mason at AudubonEducator@gmail.com.