New Project for Outfitters and Guides Announced by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
New Project for Outfitters and Guides Announced by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
The Forest is seeking input on the Forest-wide Outfitting and Guiding Permit Issuance CE.
Dillon, MT, July 15, 2024 — The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is beginning a Forest-wide Outfitting and Guiding Permit Issuance Categorical Exclusion (CE) Project.
In June, the Forest cancelled the Outfitter and Guide Environmental Assessment (EA) based on suggestions and concerns from the public. This new project is intended to address feedback received during the previous project.
“My staff and I heard clearly from a wide variety of commenters that there is a need to take a hard look at our existing special use authorizations and remedy inconsistencies in our administration of the outfitting and guiding program,” said Carol Hatfield, Acting Forest Supervisor.
The new project will focus solely on existing outfitters and guides operating within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. It is intended to improve the administration and oversight of the outfitting and guiding program. The project will utilize the correct special use permit instruments, incorporate clearer descriptions of authorized activities and locations, update environmental analyses, update Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and include extensive design features to ensure potential resource concerns are thoroughly addressed.
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest encourages the public to provide feedback on the Forest-wide Outfitting and Guiding Permit Issuance Categorical Exclusion (CE) Project by August 9, 2024. Public input is an integral part of the process and helps the Forest Service understand the concerns and desires of those who utilize National Forest System lands.
To learn about the project and provide feedback, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/bdnf/?project=66448.
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