Comments being taken on snowmobile fun run
The Kootenai National Forest is accepting public comments for the annual Fun Run snowmobile race in the Fortine Ranger District sponsored by the 10 Lakes Snowmobile Club.
The event is proposed for Feb. 6, 2016 and comments will be accepted through Dec. 30.
District Ranger Brian Donner said the race has been held for several years and requires a public scoping to determine whether a comprehensive environmental assessment should be completed prior to holding the race.
“The initial scoping for the project is to get a feel for what type of issues there might be with this type of project,” Donner said Tuesday. “Based on those, we form a plan for whether to follow through with the process.”
He said that similar scoping periods for the race in prior years have found that it will have no significant impacts on the environment. The motorized event is expected to attract 100 to 150 participants but will not extend to any areas not already groomed for over-snow use.
The 2016 Fun Run would serve as a fundraiser to cover the snowmobile club’s costs to groom and maintain the winter trail system in the Grave Creek area. It also will provide donations to local charities.
Games and food would be provided at five checkpoints along the approximately 35-mile trail and members of the Can-Am Search and Rescue will be on hand to assist with first aid and check-ins.
The club plans to install signs beginning Feb. 5, with temporary improvements removed from the trails by Feb. 6 at the end of the day.
The race area will be held on “backcountry motorized” areas and “general forest” areas as designated in the Kootenai Forest Plan.
Comments should be addressed to Ron Komac, 949 U.S. 93 North, Eureka, MT 59917.
They may also be faxed to (406) 296-7188 or emailed to comments-northern-kootenai-fortine@fs.fed.us. The subject line must include the name of the project.
Hand-delivered or oral comments may be submitted at the Eureka Ranger District office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.