Decision Signed for the Blacktail Road Restoration and Stabilization Project
By Moosetrack Megan

Posted: February 17, 2017

February 16, 2017 – Swan Lake District Ranger, Richard Kehr signed the Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Blacktail Road Restoration and Stabilization Project.  The decision authorizes implementation of several activities to stabilize and restore nearly 10 miles of road. The Blacktail Road, Road #917 is located within the Island Unit of the Swan Lake Ranger District in Flathead County, west of Flathead Lake.

The road serves as the primary access to National Forest System lands in the Blacktail Mountain area, providing access to the Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, motorized and non-motorized trail systems, the Blacktail Mountain Nordic Cross-Country Ski Trail System, and other recreation such as huckleberry picking, hiking, and pleasure driving.  Blacktail Road is a primary route for Forest Service management activities in the area, provides access to the communication facilities on top of Blacktail Mountain, and provides access to adjacent private lands.

The project addresses needed work to provide long-term, sustainable access for land management and public use and enjoyment of national forest lands in the Blacktail Mountain area. Project activities include reconstructing the road to accommodate a standard two lane road with an asphalt surface from the end of the county road to the Blacktail Ski Area boundary; stabilizing fill slope movement above Stoner Creek; stabilizing and revegetating several cut and fill slopes along the road; improving road drainage; replacing two stream crossings.  Use of an existing gravel pit in the area will generate material for the road work. Once the gravel pit use is completed, area will be restored to use as a toboggan/sled play area.

The updated Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice/FONSI can be found on the web at http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=48669.  These documents are also available for review at the Swan Lake Ranger Station, 200 Ranger Station Road, Bigfork, MT, 59911.  Additional information can be obtained at the above address, by calling (406) 837-7500, or emailing rkehr@fs.fed.us

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