Prescribed burns underway at Blacktail Mountain

The Flathead National Forest advised Wednesday that the Swan Lake District is conducting prescribed burns on several units in the Blacktail Mountain area.

The U.S. Forest Service reported that smoke will be visible from the burns and said a helicopter is assisting burn operations.

Prescribed burns can help reduce fuels that have accumulated during decades of fire suppression on national forests. They can help reverse encroachment by conifers on forest openings, an intervention that can benefit elk and other wildlife. They can help support diversity in tree species and other vegetation, according to the agency.

In September, Flathead National Forest announced intentions to conduct prescribed burns in areas of the ranger districts of Tally Lake, Swan Lake, Spotted Bear and Hungry Horse/Glacier View.