Bozeman, MT – August 31, 2023 – The Custer Gallatin National Forest is seeking public comments on the Goose Creek Fuel Break Project. The project aims to create fuel breaks on up to 1,975 acres to address hazardous fuel conditions adjacent to roads and trails in the Goose Creek and Bear Canyon areas to benefit nearby homes and communities.

The objective of this project is to minimize the spread of wildfire by constructing fuel breaks that may be used as control lines in an emergency. By taking proactive measures in these areas, we can improve the effectiveness of suppression techniques and enhance the safety of both the resources in the region and the local communities in the event of a wildfire.

The Categorical Exclusion analysis of the Goose Creek Fuels Break Project is being recommended for the following reasons:

• The project plans to have fuel breaks that are less than 1,000 feet in width.
• The treatment area is less than 3,000 acres (1,975 acres).
• The project will primarily be located in the wildland-urban interface, as defined by the Healthy Forest Restoration Act, and in the Gallatin County and Park County Community Wildfire Protection Plans, as required by the Fuels Break Categorical Exclusion.

The public is requested to submit written comments by September 13, 2023. Comments should include the commenter’s name, address, email address, telephone number, and (if applicable) the name of the organization they represent. Written comments may be submitted online here, or mailed/hand-delivered to the Bozeman District Office.

The Bozeman Ranger District will host an open house at the Bozeman Ranger District Office (3710 Fallon Street, Suite C) on Wednesday, September 6th, from 12:00 to 6:00. Please stop by to learn more.

For questions, please contact Bozeman District Ranger, Corey Lewellen, at corey.lewellen@usda.gov, or Team Leader Amanda Williams at amanda.williams3@usda.gov. Or call the Bozeman District Office at 406-522-2520.