Forest Service closing down Whitehall office

BUTTE — The U.S. Forest Service is closing the Jefferson Ranger District office in Whitehall at the end of the month due to budget cuts.

Spokeswoman Leona Roderick said the agency’s three full-time employees will be moved into smaller quarters in downtown Whitehall while others will be transferred to the Butte district office.

District Ranger Dave Sabo says the Whitehall “work center” also will have two fire engine crews, an initial attack fire crew and a small range crew during the summer months.

The move means the office will no longer provide services such as answering questions, providing information or selling firewood or Christmas tree permits, forest maps or passes. The hardware store in Whitehall will continue to sell the permits.