Forest extends comment period for Ten Lakes plan

The Kootenai National Forest has extended the public comment period for the Ten Lakes Management Plan to May 29.

The proposed action would designate over-snow motorized use areas and non-winter trail management. It applies to a 64,177-acre are northeast of Eureka, in the Fortine Ranger District.

The over-snow vehicle travel would be subject to two seasons. Season One, from Dec. 1, to March 31, would allow travel on more than 36,000 acres and about 12.5 miles of designated vehicle routes. Season Two, from April 1, to May 31, would allow travel on more than 4,000 acres and about 32.9 miles of designated vehicle routes.

Forest spokesman Willie Sykes said that after the comment period ends, management officials will review the comments, address any issues raised and incorporate any necessary changes into a draft management plan.

The proposed action can be accessed at www.fs.usda.gov/projects/kootenai/landmanagement/.

A hard copy is available upon request by contacting project leader Moira McKelvey at 296-2536, or by visiting the Murphy Lake or Eureka Ranger Stations.