Public meetings planned

The Flathead National Forest's Proposed Forest Land Management Plan, issued Monday, triggers a 90-day public comment period that will conclude at the end of July.

After considering public comments, the forest will develop a final plan, followed by a 30-day "objection period."

Once formal objections are resolved by the Forest Service, a new long-term forest management plan will be adopted.

The Flathead Forest is hosting open houses on the proposed plan May 17 and June 15 at the WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel from 4 to 8 p.m.

There also will be a public hearing June 17 at Flathead High School from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Details on the proposed plan are available on the Internet at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/wmpz