Bozeman, MT, July 12, 2021—Implementation of the North Bridgers Forest Health Project is currently underway, including temporary road construction and logging operations.  The project, situated 13 miles northeast of Bozeman and just north of the Bridger Bowl Ski area, is located in the wildland urban interface (WUI) on the Bozeman Ranger District, Custer Gallatin National Forest. This current phase of work is expected is to run through January 2022.

Due to logging activities in the Fairy Lake Road (FS 74 area), the Bozeman Ranger District is closing the gate to Upper Fairy Lake at Mile Marker 4.4, near the Carrol Creek Trailhead. The FS 74 road past this gate will be closed to all uses, including foot traffic, for up to 2 weeks starting the evening of Sunday July 18th thru Friday July 30th, 2021. Visitors may still access Fairy Lake by parking at the Carrol Creek Trailhead and following Fairy Creek Trail #500, approximately 2 miles to the lake. Fairy Lake Campground will also be closed starting the evening of July 18th.
This closure is necessary to allow contractors to work with heavy equipment near the road. If work is completed earlier than anticipated, the Bozeman Ranger District will reopen the Fairy lake Road (FS 74) to traffic and inform the public at that time.

“We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause, but this short-term closure is needed for public safety which is always our top priority” said Corey Lewellen, Bozeman District Ranger.

The Bozeman Ranger District also anticipates the need for a future closure on the Fairy Creek Trail FS #500 from the Battle Ridge Trailhead, when active logging occurs in that area later this fall. This closure will occur given safety concerns with log trucks hauling on this route. Any road/trail closures will be posted in advance.