Public Meetings & Past Summaries

Updated: June 7, 2019

 

Comments received can be viewed on the public reading room.  

10 Public Meetings, Additional Webinars and downloadable podcasts (released March 18, 2019) 

Draft Plan, DEIS 2019 Public Meetings, Webinars & Podcasts

• April 3 – Bozeman, MT from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Hilton Garden Inn
• April 4 – West Yellowstone, MT from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce (30 Yellowstone Ave)
• April 8 – Ashland, MT from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at TRECO (Tongue River Electric Cooperative, (2435 Hwy 212, Ashland, MT)
• April 9 - Camp Crook, SD – from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Camp Crook Community Center (203 Main Street, Camp Crook, SD)
• April 10 - Billings, MT – from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Bighorn Resort Broso/Bighorn Rooms (1801 Majestic Lane, Billings, MT)
• April 11 - Red Lodge, MT from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Roosevelt Center Community Room (519 S. Broadway Ave, Red Lodge, MT)
• April 22 – Big Timber, MT from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Sweet Grass County Extension Office (515 Hooper Street, Big Timber, MT)
• April 22 – Livingston, MT from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Yellowstone Pioneer Lodge (1515 W. Park Street, Livingston, MT)
• April 23 - Cooke City, MT from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Cooke City Chamber of Commerce Community Room (206 W Main Street, Cooke City, MT)
• April 23 – Gardiner, MT from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Gardiner Community Center (209 W. Main Street, Gardiner, MT)

Sweet Grass Commission Public Meetings as a Cooperating Agency are: 

• May 13 at 5:30 p.m., Crazy Mountain Stakeholders at Bill's Place in Melville 
• May 21 at 5:30 p.m., Absaroka/Beartooth Stakeholders at McLeod Fire Hall
• Contact Sweet Grass Commission for further details. 

Webinar dates include:  Recorded webinar here

Thursday, March 14 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.                   Tuesday, March 19 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 pm.

Monday, April 15 from 5:00 pm. – 6:30 p.m.                   Thursday, April 25 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 1 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.                Thursday, May 9 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 16 from 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.                Tuesday, May 21 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Tune into all webinars here. 

Resource Specific Podcasts

will drop March 18, 2019 for downloading and listening at: outLANDish by Your Forests, Your Future

Go to News Release, Go to Draft Documents (Draft Plan/Draft EIS) 

To keep abreast of the most current updates, opt-in to receive emails - above.  Three quick and easy steps.  

Navigate to:

Draft Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Proposed Action document - Jan. 2018

Wild & Scenic Rivers and Wilderness Status

Final Assessment and Preliminary Need to Change

Previous Comment Period 

The comment period for the Custer Gallatin Forest Plan Revision proposed action closed March 5, 2018.  The Forest received just over 10,500 letters and are working through individual comments.  Comments submitted help to create the range of alternatives for April meetings.

Some themes that have emerged to date include many variations of land allocations such as recommended wilderness boundaries to backcountry areas, recreational emphasis areas and uses allowed in these areas;  levels of objectives such as weed control and fuels treatment; recreational airfields and other recreation uses; natural resources such as wildlife, water and vegetation; and many detailed specific plan component comments on all topics.

Review and Comment Tools 

The most recent comment period ran from Jan. 3 - March 5, 2018 on the Proposed Action, Go to Proposed Action and review documents. 

Additional formal comment periods will be available, the best way to stay informed is to opt-into our mailing list at the top of the page.  Visit the How to Comment page

We also invite you to review the public reading room, as information is received the reading room will be periodically updated.  

• [Comment link no longer active] Provide Feedback during formal comment periods preferably online through our Comment Analysis and Response Application (CARA)
• To provide feedback to Forest Plan Revision: 
  • Email:  cgplanrevision@fs.fed.us
    • General forest questions should be routed to mailroom_r1_custer_gallatin@fs.fed.us 
• Mail: 
  Forest Service
  Attn:  Forest Plan Revision
  Custer Gallatin National Forest
  10 E Babcock, P.O. Box 130
  Bozeman, MT 59771

 

Past Meetings: 

April Alternatives Meetings - Summaries - Alternatives Meetings  

View the Summaries or Alternative Area Maps:             

Written Summary               Visual Summary               Raw Summary 

Meetings Occurred: 

• April 21 - Bozeman at the Hilton Garden Inn, Larkspur Room (2023 Commerce Way) and (PowerPoint - Bozeman Meeting)  
• April 28 - Billings at the Bighorn Resort, Broso and Bighorn Rooms (1801 Majestic Lane
• Recorded Version of Presentation - (approx. 30 min) 

Conceptual Alternatives & Maps

Alternatives Pre-work package (Written) - maps by geographic area below  All Maps - Combined - Alternatives Maps Prework Package     

Understanding Designated Areas by Definition           Alternatives Overview Sheet 

Alternative A - No Action - Large Maps (be patient when loading) by Geographic Areas (GA) - Sioux      Pryor's      Madison, Gallatin, Henry's      Bridger, Bangtails, Crazies      Ashland      Absaroka-Beartooth      (no 8.5 x 11 maps for A) 

Alternative B - Modified Proposed Action - by GA - (8.5 x 11) -  Sioux      Pryor's      Madison, Gallatin, Henry's      Bridger, Bangtails, Crazies      Ashland      Absaroka-Beartooth 

Large Maps -  Sioux      Pryor's      Madison, Gallatin, Henry's      Bridger, Bangtails, Crazies      Ashland      Absaroka-Beartooth

Following range of alternatives based on public comment

Alternative C - by GA - (8.5 x 11) -  Sioux      Pryor's      Madison, Gallatin, Henry's      Bridger, Bangtails, Crazies      Ashland      Absaroka-Beartooth 

Large Maps -  Sioux      Pryor's      Madison, Gallatin, Henry's      Bridger, Bangtails, Crazies      Ashland      Absaroka-Beartooth

Alternative D -  by GA - (8.5 x 11) -  Sioux      Pryor's      Madison, Gallatin, Henry's      Bridger, Bangtails, Crazies      Ashland      Absaroka-Beartooth 

Large Maps -  Sioux      Pryor's      Madison, Gallatin, Henry's      Bridger, Bangtails, Crazies      Ashland      Absaroka-Beartooth

Alternative E - by GA - (8.5 x 11) -  Sioux      Pryor's      Madison, Gallatin, Henry's      Bridger, Bangtails, Crazies      Ashland      Absaroka-Beartooth 

Large Maps -  Sioux      Pryor's      Madison, Gallatin, Henry's      Bridger, Bangtails, Crazies      Ashland      Absaroka-Beartooth

GIS Data Set for the above maps *(this zip file is conceptual and draft - by downloading this dataset one acknowledges GIS errors may be possible and maps are conceptual level only). 

Mark your calendars for Forest Plan Revision Meetings around alternatives - Go to News Release.  The Forest Plan Revision Team is preparing a range of alternatives based on recent public comment.  The meetings will not get into standard by standard or guideline by guideline.  These meetings will stay at a high level around land allocations including recreation emphasis areas, recommended wilderness areas and backcountry areas. 

​Design for each session, April 21 and April 28

•  Agenda (subject to change)
  • Welcome, Coffee & Mingle - 9:30 a.m. & Youth Artwork Poster Display - "What does you National Forest Mean to You?"
  • Workshop Starts - 10:00 a.m. 
  • Intro & Presentation - Virginia Kelly, Forest Plan Revision Team Leader  
    • Walk thru Alternatives 10:15 - 11:00
  • Smaller breakouts, Focus - Alternatives 11:15 - 12:45/1
    • with Place-based mapping tables (GIS specialists) 
    • Pre-work for meetings below - Preliminary Alternative Maps - Conceptual 
  • Synthesis and Close-out - 1/1:30

Attend virtually if unable to travel here

“Meetings will focus on high-level alternatives and landing at a solid place to start analyzing these alternatives,” said Virginia Kelly, Forest Plan Revision Team Leader. 

“We won’t be getting into every detail, but are looking to ensure the spectrum of comments we heard is incorporated, that people are able to help give critical feedback in the further development of these alternatives."

Shorter Webinar Presentation - Thursday, April 26 at 2:30 p.m. MST - TUNE IN HERE:   

Proposed Action Public Involvement Opportunities - Winter 2018 - Webinars/Open houses

Weekly Webinars - Virtual Opportunity Every Week - Tune in From Wherever You Are

• Wednesday - January 10 at 1:30 p.m.
• Tuesday – January 16 at 5:15 p.m.
• Thursday – January 25 at 2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday – January 31 at 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday – February 8 at 10:00 a.m.
• Tuesday – February 13 at 3:00 p.m.
• Tuesday – February 20 at 5:00 p.m.
• Monday – February 26 at 1:00 p.m.

Login for all here (mobile device compatible)
Can't make a time/date - listen to recorded webinar now (20 min), or view Proposed Action power point on your own. 

Ranger-led Open Houses or Chat with the Ranger Sessions:

• January 10 - Rescheduled due to inclement weather - Chat with Ranger/Q & A - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., PR Room, West River Campus Bldg, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Rapid City, SD
• January 16 – As part of West Yellowstone Town Council Meeting, West Yellowstone, MT Town Hall, (440 Yellowstone Avenue)  7:00 p.m.
• January 17 – Chat with the Ranger/Q & A – 9:00 a.m. at Yellowstone Grill, Gardiner, MT (404 Scott St).
• January 17 – Chat with the Ranger/Q & A – 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Ekalaka Fairgrounds, Ekalaka, MT
• January 18 – Chat with the Ranger/Q & A – 9:00 a.m. at Soda Butte Lodge, Cooke City, MT (209 Hwy 212).
• January 23 - Chat with Ranger/Q & A - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Red Lodge Senior Center, Red Lodge, MT (207 Villard Ave S.)
• January 24 - Chat with Ranger/Q & A - 6 - 8:00 p.m. at Cobblestone School, Granite Peak Room, Absarokee, MT (142 S. Woodard)
• January 25 – Livingston Public Library – Informational Presentation/Q & A, at 6:00 p.m., Livingston, MT (228 W Callender St).
• January 25 – As part of Carbon County Commission Meeting, County Administration Building, Red Lodge, MT (17 West 11th Street) from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.  
• January 30 – Hebgen Lake Ranger District Open House/Q & A, West Yellowstone, MT (330 Gallatin Road) from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. 
• February 5 – Cancelled due to weather - Chat with the Ranger/Q & A from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Broadus Library, Broadus, MT (101 S Lincoln).
• February 5 - Cancelled due to weather - Chat with Ranger/Q & A - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., PR Room, Outdoor Campus West of South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, (4130 Adventure Trail) Rapid City, SD
• February 6 – Chat with the Ranger from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Tongue River Electric (TRECO), Ashland, MT (2435 US Hwy 212).
• February 6 - Chat with the Ranger from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Buffalo Recreation Center, Buffalo, SD (Rescheduled from 2/7 to 2/6 - Tuesday).
• February 6 – Bozeman Ranger District Open House/Q & A – (3710 Fallon Street, Suite C, Bozeman, MT) from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. 
• February 7 – Chat with the Ranger from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at City of Colstrip City Council Chambers, Colstrip, MT (12 Cherry St).
• February 15 – Bozeman REI Community Room Short Informational Presentation/Q&A  (2220 Tschache St, Bozeman, MT).
• NEW TIME/DATE ADDED - February 28 - Chat with Ranger/Q & A - 4:30 - 7:00 p.m., PR Room, West River Campus Bldg, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Rapid City, SD

More sessions may be scheduled throughout the comment period.

Additionally community libraries and local ranger districts have master copies located at front desks or reference desks. 

• Bicentennial Library of Colstrip                    
• Big Sky Community Library
• Billings Public Library                                   
• Bozeman Public Library
• Carnegie Public Library (Big Timber)                       
• Cooke City Chamber of Commerce              
• Ekalaka Public Library                                   
• Gardiner Public Library         
• Harding County Library (Buffalo, SD)         
• Henry Malley Memorial Library (Broadus)
• Livingston Public Library                              
• Red Lodge Carnegie Library           
• Stillwater County Library (Columbus, MT)  
• West Yellowstone Public Library

 

Summaries from Sept 2017 Public Meetings

In Sept 2017, 8 public meetings and 4 webinars were completed across the Custer Gallatin National Forest (Sept 6-20, 2017)

Meeting Summaries (Written, Raw and Visual public meeting summaries)

Week 1:  Written Summary - Ashland, MT and Camp Crook, SD

Week 2: Written Summary - West Yellowstone and Gardiner, MT           Written Summary - Bozeman, MT

Week 3:  Written Summary - Red Lodge, MT          Written Summary - Columbus, MT          Written Summary - Livingston, MT

Raw Summary - pictures of actual notes taken at public meetings - displayed via power point, zoom into to view in detail. 

Visual Summary - a visual or pictorial display of what we heard in the most recent round of public meetings and integrating plan components, bringing the two together. 

Original news release, opt into our mailing list (above) to get the most timely updates on Forest Plan Revision.

Presentations

Area power points (similar in layout, but specific to geographic areas, desired conditions and key interest areas in communities).

Webinar power point    Webinar recording

Week 1:  Ashland      Sioux        

Week 2:  West Yellowstone       Gardiner       Bozeman

Week 3:  Red Lodge       Columbus       Livingston

Week 4:  MSU College Engagement Session

 

Summaries from Feb. - April 2017 Public Meetings

The Custer Gallatin National Forest completed 10 public meetings and 5 webinars across the Forest Feb.-April 2017.

Summaries from those meetings are now available.  Original News Release. Opt into our email list by signing up online at our website and click on Forest Plan Revision or emailing cgplanrevision@fs.fed.us.

 

Summer 2016 Public Meeting Materials

The Custer Gallatin completed a second round of public meetings, June 2016.  Materials from the June public meetings are below.  Documents and June public meetings were a mid-way point of sharing information to date and having community conversations.  A summary of what we heard is posted and posters are mid-points of what we had to date, not a reflection of a finalized Assessment of Existing Conditions. 

June Public Meeting Power Point

June Webinar Version Power Point

Summary

    Visual Summary       Written Summary       Raw Template Summary

Assessment Storyboard Posters:

Soil, Air & Water

Multiple Uses

Vegetation

Minerals & Energy

Social & Economic, Social & Economic Area Map

Recreation

Infrastructure

Scenic Character

Land Status

Drivers & Stressors

Designated Areas, Wilderness & Wild and Scenic River Steps 

Wildlife, Species of Conservation Concern

Contributions

Word Cloud - themes to date from initial questionnaires

Maps

General Forest Overview Map    

Areas Maps (including designated areas) 

Absaroka - Beartooth

Ashland         

Bridger/Bangtails         

N Madison

Pryors         

Sioux         

S. Madison 

Supplemental Maps to Accompany Posters

Reforestation        

Fire History        

Existing Vegetation         

Treatments        

Land Use 

 

Initial Rollout Materials

Forest Plan launched in January 2016

Previous Newsletters:

Kickoff Public Meeting Newsletter

 

Past Public Meeting Information

Second Round:  Assessment Status to Date and Community Conversation Public Meetings:  June 14-30 (8 public meetings, 3 additional webinars)

Inital Kick-off Public Meetings:  Feb. 22 - March 9, 2016:  Public Meeting Summaries  15 public meeting locations, Power Point Versions:  Billings, and  Bozeman (maps are relevant to area of public meeting)

Initial - Print/mail-in Questionnaire - (address on form) or form fillable submission - save and submit electronically via cgplanrevision@fs.fed.us, (most pertinent received prior to June 1, 2016)

 

Previous News Releases & Federal Register Notices

Jan/Feb 2016:  Custer Gallatin National Forest Kicks Off Forest Plan Revision Community Public Meetings Across Forest

May/June 2016:  Community Conversations Showcase Results to Date

FRN: Notice of Initiation of Assessment