Kalispell, MT, October 16, 2026) — The Flathead National Forest announced today that the Piper Creek Project has completed the planning process with the release of the final environmental analysis and decision document, found in the project document library. Project work is anticipated to begin immediately. The project is located on the National Forest approximately 10 miles north of Condon, Montana.
The project aims to improve forest resilience by promoting healthy stands that are able to withstand natural disturbances, reduce hazardous fuels to lower wildfire risk to nearby communities, and support local economies through the sustainable production of forest products.
The project includes 2,307 acres of active management, including 1,415 acres of commercial treatments and 892 acres of non-commercial treatments, to address stands of trees that have been affected by insects and disease – such as root rot, dwarf mistletoe, and bark beetles. The project also targets hazardous fuel buildup in the wildland‑urban interface, reducing the potential for fast‑moving wildfires that could threaten nearby homes, infrastructure, and firefighter safety. Additionally, the project includes 40 acres of aspen improvement.
“I am looking forward to seeing the vegetation management work begin within the Piper Creek Project area” said Swan Lake District Ranger Sarah Canepa. The project will promote healthier forest stands by addressing areas with insects and diseases, while also protecting nearby communities through hazardous fuels reduction.”
For more information about the project, please visit the project webpage.
About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology—and rooted in communities—the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with Tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.
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