Kootenai National Forest
 
 
National Forest Signboard stating Entering Kootenai National Forest

Welcome to the
Kootenai National Forest

The Kootenai National Forest is located in the Northwest corner of Montana and the Northeast corner of Idaho on the Canadian border. Providing abundant recreation and a wealth of natural resources, the Kootenai is a perfect place to relax and enjoy your National Forests!

Objection Period for certain Wild and Scenic Rivers Act eligibility findings 

September 10, 2018 -  The Kootenai National Forest is initiating a 60-day objection period to allow individuals or organizations to submit objections to certain Wild and Scenic Rivers Act eligibility findings. You can view the objection notice and additional information on the Planning webpage. 

Rock Creek Project Final Record of Decision Issued

August 28, 2018 - The Kootenai National Forest has issued the Final Record of Decision (ROD) for Phase I of the Rock Creek Project, a proposed underground copper and silver mine in northwestern Montana near Noxon in Sanders County.  You can view the ROD on the Rock Creek Project webpage.

2018 Fire Information

Stage II Fire Restrictions Rescinded

As of 0001 Friday morning, August 31st, 2018, Stage II Fire Restrictions are rescinded and the Kootenai National Forest will no longer be under any fire restrictions. Even with the cooler temperatures, there are still active fires on the forest and conditions remain dry. People are reminded to be fire wise while enjoying the Kootenai National Forest.

Forest Wildfire Information Map

See the Facebook posts below for more information on the fires.

Ten Mile & Sterling Fire Complex

The Ten Mile Fire and Sterling Fire Complex is located on the Rexford/Fortine District.  There is no Inciweb established yet for the Sterling Fires Complex.

Three Rivers Ranger District Fire Information

Libby District Fire Information

Cabinet Ranger District Fire Information

Grizzly Bear Amendment FEIS and Draft Record of Decision

The 60-day opportunity to object to the Flathead National Forest's forest plan and Regional Forester's species of conservation list, the NCDE Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy forest plan amendments for the Helena-Lewis and Clark, Kootenai, and Lolo National Forests, or the associated final environmental impact statement ended on February 12, 2018. Additional information is available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/flathead/gbamend.

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Features

Ten Lakes Travel Management Plan

Thumbnail of a Forest map

The Fortine Ranger District has developed a Proposed Action for the Ten Lakes Travel Management Plan. The project area is located North and East of Eureka, Montana and includes 64,177 acres.  The interactive mapping tool is available to submit information for this project.


2015 Forest Plan

Faye Krueger, Regional Forester for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Northern Region, has signed the Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Kootenai National Forests’ revised Forest Plan.

The Record of Decision, 2015 Forest Plan, and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) are available on the Land and Resource Management – Planning page.


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Quick Links

Alerts & Warnings

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Highlights

  • Food Storage Order
    A food storage order signed in 2011 requires food storage practice across the Forest to reduce the potential for human-wildlife encounters.
  • Weed Free Forage
    It is a violation of rule (FS) and law (State of Montana) to utilize forage or mulch materials that contain the seeds of noxious weeds.
  • Protect Your Forest
    Report crime on your National Forest or Grassland using this form.