State taking comments on Flathead Lake log salvage

HELENA — State agencies are taking public comment on a proposal to allow a company to salvage old logs submerged in Flathead Lake.

The 10-year project would operate from April through November and salvage up to 50 logs per day.

The state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation says most of the logs recovered by North Shore Development LLC would be in 20 to 30 feet of water. The logs would be turned into lumber and sold.

Previous comments about the project have raised concerns about possible erosion, water degradation and harm to fish habitat.

The logs were part of the former Somers Lumber Company’s floating log yard in Flathead Lake.

The state agency is taking public comment on the draft Environmental Assessment until July 21.