Forest Service roads focus of open house

The Flathead National Forest is hosting an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the supervisor’s office, 650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell, to seek public input on the process used in an analysis of the road system on the Flathead National Forest.

The travel analysis process is a science-based approach used to inform future road-related travel management decisions. The analysis report encompasses all existing National Forest System roads on the Flathead Forest. The report provides an assessment of the road infrastructure and proposals for change to the forest transportation system that can be evaluated when subsequent site-specific National Environmental Policy Act planning is undertaken.

“The travel analysis is not a proposal or decision, but is intended to help inform possible future road management planning,” Flathead National Forest Supervisor Chip Weber said.

The public is asked to view the analysis and provide input to help identify risks and benefits, as well as provide feedback on the process used to analyze the road system. An interactive mapping tool reflecting the initial results of the analysis is available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/flathead and is the primary tool for providing public input.

The Forest Service will accept input through July 31. Copies of the maps which capture the results of the analysis area are available at the Swan Lake, Hungry Horse and Tally Lake Ranger District offices for those not able to view them online.

The agency expects to maintain an appropriately sized and environmentally sustainable road system that is responsive to ecological, economic and social concerns, Weber said. Nearly everyone who uses the National Forest will be affected by possible future road management decisions, making it important to work together today to identify a sustainable road system, he added.