The Flathead National Forest is seeking input on a
new forest management project proposed between Coram and West Glacier, MT.
The “Lake Five Project” calls for timber harvest and reducing other forest fuels in these
wildland-urban interface communities.
Approximately 2,000 acres are proposed for commercial timber harvest including
commercial thinning and seed tree treatments, and 300 acres are proposed for
noncommercial vegetation treatments.
The whole project area analyzed is approximately 12,000 acres, of which 42 percent is
private property. The 2011 Flathead County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
identified neighborhoods within the project area as priority areas for local fire
departments. All proposed activities would occur on National Forest System land.
The area is predominantly composed of lodgepole pine, originating from the Half Moon
Fire in 1929. The resulting tree stands are composed of closely spaced small diameter
lodgepole pine that are vulnerable to stand replacement fires and insect and disease.
The project would reduce the risk of high intensity wildfire in and around these
communities, diversify the tree species in the area, and provide timber for the local
economy.
“I encourage you to read the scoping materials, look at the maps available, and attend
our virtual open house,” said Hungry Horse District Ranger Rob Davies. “The Forest
Service is a neighbor to many residents in this area and we sincerely want to improve
fuel conditions near homes and property, protect natural resources, and maintain
recreation opportunities. We are seeking your ideas and suggestions during this scoping
period to help us refine or improve this proposal.”
Some timber harvest and other fuels reduction treatments would rely on roads
currently used for both summer and winter recreation. The Forest expects temporary
closures in those areas depending on where project activity is occurring.
Flathead National Forest
Web: https://www.fs.usda.gov/flathead
Facebook: @discovertheflathead
Twitter: @FlatheadNF
Media 21-05
News Release
Media Contact: Lauren Alley
Lauren.alley@usda.gov
Accessing the project areas would require that the Forest Service build approximately 6
miles of road that would be added to the road system, and 1.3 miles of temporary road
that would be returned to a forested condition at the conclusion of the project. Many of
the roads would be built on existing roadbeds. About 1.7 miles of existing road would be
decommissioned. Some of these roads would be retained for future forest management
use and would be made impassable at the conclusion of the Lake Five Project. Public
motorized access would not change on any roadway.
For more information, including maps, how to comment, and instructions for joining the
virtual public meeting, please visit the Flathead National Forest’s website.