Forest thinning details released

By JIM MANN

Project would treat more than 3,000 acres if approved

The Daily Inter Lake

The Tally Lake Ranger District has released a plan for what could be one of the largest fuel reduction projects undertaken on the Flathead National Forest.

The Valley Face Fuel Reduction Project is planned for east facing slopes of the Salish Mountains northwest of Whitefish. An environmental assessment for the project was released this week, under the authority and rules of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act.

The project "is designed to provide a safe environment for firefighters and the public by reducing the potential for a severe crown fire to occur and to improve forest health conditions," a press release from the Tally Lake District states.

Tally Lake District Ranger Lisa Krueger said the project's development over the last year relied heavily on community input. A Flathead County wildfire mitigation plan was also instrumental in developing the project.

"Collaboration with the public has been integral to the development of this project and I appreciate the comments received," said Tally Lake District Ranger Lisa Krueger.

Comments, particularly from several landowners in the project, influenced the areas that were determined to be suitable for mechanical logging and hand work.

Mechanical logging is planned for about 2,200 acres, with much of that work involving commercial harvest estimated to yield about 12 million board feet of timber.

The hand work would occur on about 1,200 acres.

The project will involve the construction of 3.5 miles of temporary roads that would be reclaimed when work is complete. Improvements are planned for about 40 miles of existing roads within the project area.

The release of the environmental assessment starts an objection process defined under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act. As opposed to an appeals process, which anybody can pursue, the objection process is open only to those who had previously commented on the initial project proposal. Objections will be submitted to Regional Forester Gail Kimbell in Missoula.

If the project's approved, fuel reduction work could get underway as soon as next summer.

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by e-mail at jmann@dailyinterlake.com