The Lolo National Forest has finalized the decision for the Wilkes Cherry Project, marking a key step toward improving forest health, reducing hazardous fuels, and enhancing recreational opportunities across a broad landscape south of Thompson Falls. The signed decision authorizes implementation of vegetation and fuel reduction treatments on approximately 20,648 acres, along with road management activities across the larger 76,477-acre project area.
The project area located on the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District in the Prospect, Cherry and Eddy Creek drainages, reflects forest conditions shaped by past timber harvest and decades of fire suppression. Planned activities are designed to reduce wildfire risk, improve ecosystem resilience, and support long-term forest sustainability.
In addition to fuels and vegetation treatments, the project includes a suite of recreation and aquatic resource improvements aimed at increasing public access and enhancing user experience.
During the planning process, public input and internal review identified an opportunity to increase recreational access to the Eddy Creek area. In response, the proposed action was modified to allow seasonal public motorized use on Forest Service Road 7579-1 and to reroute a portion of the Acorn Lake Trail (FST 386). Specifically, travel management on NFSR 7579-1 between mileposts 0.95 and 5.60 will change from yearlong closure to seasonal access from July 15 through Dec. 1 to support trailhead access.
These changes will result in a net increase of approximately 5.5 miles of motorized access for the public, improving connectivity and recreation opportunities within the project area. The Forest Service sought and incorporated public feedback throughout the planning process, ensuring that community perspectives helped shape the final decision. For more information, please visit the Wilkes Cherry Project website. Information about other projects can be found on the Lolo National Forest website.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
Source: Lolo National Forest
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