Forest seeks comments on project near Bigfork

The Flathead National Forest’s Swan Lake Ranger District seeks public comment on the proposed Bug Creek Forest Health and Fuels Reduction Project, located between Flathead Lake and Swan Lake southeast of Bigfork.

Under the proposed action, about 2,403 acres of forest would see commercial harvesting, and about 2,613 acres would be managed through pre-commercial sapling thinning, prescribed burning, understory removal of fuels, and “daylighting” – removing competing trees – around white pine. A total of about 5 miles of temporary road and 17 miles of permanent road are proposed for construction to access units. Additionally, the project proposes building about 15 miles of trail for non-motorized recreation, and improving about 71 miles of roads.

The scoping document and maps are available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/flathead/landmanagement/projects. Public comments will be accepted through February 16, 2018. Written, hand-delivered, and oral comments can be delivered to acting District Ranger, Kendall Cikanek at 200 Ranger Station Road, Bigfork, MT 59911; by fax (406)837-7503; or by phone at (406)837-7500. Please submit electronic comments to comments-northern-flathead-swan-lake@fs.fed.us with the project name in the subject line.

The ranger district is hosting an open house on Tuesday, February 6, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Swan Lake Ranger Station. Specialists will be available to answer questions.