Fee increase proposed for Star Meadows Guard Station

The Flathead National Forest is accepting public comments for a proposed rental fee increase for the Star Meadows Guard Station 20 miles west of Whitefish.

The cabin rental is currently $40 per night, and the forest is proposing an increase to $75 per night.

The Tally Lake Ranger District added a bunkhouse to the rental, increasing the occupancy from six to 10 people. The proposed fee increase would cover the added facility use, recent renovations and ongoing maintenance.

Star Meadows is a popular rental cabin on along Star Meadows Road. The cabin sits in the valley of Sheppard Creek, with views of the surrounding forested mountaintops.

The facility consists of the historic two-room guard station and the newly renovated bunkhouse. The cabin has electric lights, heat, stove and refrigerator as well as basic dishes, utensils and cooking pots and pans. Drinking water is available seasonally using a hand pump.

Comments are due Jan. 15, 2016.  They can be emailed to comments-northern-flathead-tally-lake@fs.fed.us, with “Star Meadows Cabin Fee” in the subject line

Comments can also be mailed to Hans Castren, 650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell MT 59901.

For more information contact Castren at (406) 758-5204.