Forest seeks comments on races, guiding permits
The Flathead National Forest is asking for public input on the issuance of temporary permits for outfitting and guiding activities and recreation events for the coming summer season, including the popular Whitefish Trails Ultra-Marathon.
According to a press release, all proposed activities take place between June 1 and Oct. 31 on Forest System roads and trails and will “adhere to state and local public health authorities related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The temporary outfitting and guiding permit requests include those from Whitefish Shuttle Livery and Guided Services, Whitefish Bike Retreat Livery and the Journey to Wellness Program.
Recreation events aside from the ultra-marathon in Whitefish include the Powdered Soul Fun Bike Ride, the Kiwanis ATV and Motorbike Fun Run and Foy’s to Blacktail Trail Marathon.
Some of the events and activities are larger scale than others.
According to a description of the Whitefish Trails Ultra-Marathon, Whitefish Legacy Partners has requested the race be partially held on 14 miles of existing Forest System roads and trails within the Whitefish Mountain Resort permit boundary. The permit would take place over the course of one day in October that has yet to be confirmed, allows for up to 400 participants and is “similar” to last year’s race.
Another sizable request is the Foy’s to Blacktail Trail Marathon. The permit would allow for up to 100 participants to run on 13 miles of existing roads and trails “within and surrounding” the Blacktail Mountain Resort area.”
According to the press release, both marathons would take place in the management 7 area, which is “identified in the forest plan as a focused recreation area.” As for the temporary guiding and outfitting activities, most permits are requesting activities occur primarily within the Tally Lake, Swan Lake and Hungry-Horse Ranger Districts.
Scoping comments and subject matter review will determine whether the Forest issues a categorical exclusion for these activities under the National Environmental Policy Act, or if an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement is required.
For information on each of the projects and to submit public comment, go to the Flathead National Forest’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd726078.pdf