The Pintler Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is proposing a timber salvage project in the Little Hogback and Meyers fire areas.  The proposed project would salvage 1,531 acres of dead and dying timber mostly along Forest Roads, however, the proposed project would require the construction of 3.4 miles of temporary road in the Little Hogback area. The Forest has released the proposed action and preliminary effects review document for public review, initiating a 30 day comment review period.

The purpose of the Little Hogback–Meyers Salvage Project is to protect the health and safety of the public, recover the remaining forest product’s economic value and benefit and restore portions of the landscape burned by the fires of 2017. Removal of the burned trees would also prepare the area for safe and timely reforestation with desired early seral tree species. Reforestation would expedite the re-establishment of a forested landscape where the natural seed source was lost or severely damaged by the fire. These actions are needed because existing conditions within the project area are currently not meeting Forest Plan standards and objectives due to effects from wildfires.

A public open house will be held Thursday, June 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Granite County Museum located at 135 South Sansome Street in Philipsburg.  “This meeting will introduce interested people to the salvage project proposal and gather their thoughts on our proposal as we start the environmental analysis process,” Pintler District Ranger Cameron Rasor said. Team members will be available at the open house to discuss more details and/or answer any questions people may have about this project.

For those interested in this proposed project, go online to https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53959 to review the proposed action and supporting documents. For more information about the project or open house, contact the Pintler Ranger District at (406) 859-3211.