Flathead National Forest Approves Spotted Bear River Project
Release Date: Aug 10, 2011
KALISPELL, Mont. – Flathead National Forest Supervisor Chip Weber recently approved a project on the Spotted Bear Ranger District that would improve forest conditions in the area through a variety of actions. The Spotted Bear River Project is located primarily to the east of the Spotted Bear Ranger Station within the Spotted Bear River drainage.
A summary of the actions in this decision include the following:
Harvest approximately 1,193 acres of trees to improve long-term forest diversity and productivity, and to enhance the safety of visitors to recreational areas.
Thin approximately 660 acres of saplings to improve tree growth, and encourage species diversity and forest resilience.
Perform prescribed burns on 1,346 acres to sustain the role of fire in the natural ecosystem and improve the availability of seasonal habitats for ungulates, bears, and other wildlife species.
Extend the motorized season by five weeks on the Spotted Bear River Road (Road 568) and the Big Bill Road (Road 9856), which access Silvertip and Middle Big Bill trailheads, respectively.
Improve the parking and turn-around area at the Silvertip Trailhead.
This Decision Notice is based on information contained in the Spotted Bear River Project Environmental Assessment (EA) and the revised EA. This decision is subject to administrative appeal. For more information contact Acting Planning Team Leader Stacy Allen at 406-387-3810, Spotted Bear District Ranger Deb Mucklow at 406-758-5376, or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/flathead/projects.
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Spotted bear_river_dn_news_release_Aug2011.pdf