Forest to close trails to motorized use

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead National Forest officials have decided to close a sprawling network of trails on the Swan Mountain Range to motorized use.

The forest will close 19.7 miles of trails to wheeled motorized use, largely to satisfy Forest Plan standards that are aimed at improving grizzly bear habitat security.

The affected trails straddle the Swan Range and are located on both the Spotted Bear and Swan Lake ranger districts.

About 125 people or organizations commented on the closure.

Some, such as Montanans for Multiple Use, adamantly opposed the closure, viewing it as a significant reduction in public access. Others supported it for the purpose of improving habitat security for grizzly bears and other wildlife.

"As stewards and managers of multiple-use public lands, it is challenging to balance what the public wants while responsibly managing the natural resources," Spotted Bear District Ranger Deb Mucklow said in a press release.

Mucklow jointly approved the decision with Steve Brady, the Swan Lake district ranger.

Mucklow and Brady said the closure also will reduce the potential for user-safety conflicts (between motorcycles, livestock and hikers' while leaving manageable trail systems in place. The trails cross areas with erosive soil and steep terrain.

The specific trails affected by the decision include: Bruce Creek Entry No. 82, Bruce Creek 82, Bunker Creek No. 101, the Bunker-Alpine Connect No. 101A, Alpine Trail No. 7 from its intersection with the Bunker-Alpine Connect, south to Napa Point Trail No. 31 and Napa Point No. 31.