Lakeside project aimed at preventing powerline-caused fires

The Flathead Forest is planning to remove hazardous fuels to help protect electrical infrastructure along the road to Blacktail Mountain Ski Area above Lakeside.

The proposed project is 4 miles west of Lakeside along the Flathead Electric powerline right of way. It is mostly within a designated wildland urban interface, according to the Forest Service scoping notice.

About 364 acres would be treated with a combination of hand and mechanical equipment, with the intent of improving the forest's wildfire resiliency, protecting the electrical grid and decreasing the likelihood of a powerline-caused wildfire.

"Currently, hazardous and dense vegetation conditions exist along the Blacktail powerline," the notice states. "The need for this project is critical and should be considered an emergency when planning for implementation."

If approved, work could begin as early as spring 2026 and last for three to five years.

According to the notice, the Blacktail Communication Site, which is served by Flathead Electric Cooperative, is considered critical community infrastructure. 

"This project is intended to increase the electrical reliability of the site and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area while also protecting the site from wildfire through fuel reduction," the notice states. "In most of the areas proposed for treatment, current conditions would promote problem fire  behavior (torching and crowning) due to excessive surface, ladder and crown fuel loading near community infrastructure."

Less than half a mile of temporary road would be built to access the work areas.

Public comment on the proposal is being accepted through May 23.

Send comments to Project Leader Micheal West, Flathead National Forest Supervisors Office, 650 Wolfpack Way, MT 59901, or email comments-northern-flathead-swan-lake@usda.gov. For questions, contact michael.b.west@usda.gov or call 758-3539.