Fuels reduction, salvage planned for Thompson chain of lakes

An upcoming fuels reduction and salvage project at Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park is expected to generate 3,000 cubic feet of sawlogs and 4,000 tons of non-sawlog materials.  

The project encompasses 1,272 acres of the roughly 3,000-acre state park, including units around Loon, Horseshoe, Crystal, Upper Thompson and Lower Thompson lakes, according to an environmental assessment released by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks on May 22.  

Forest stands identified for treatment will be thinned to obtain 8- to 12-foot spacing between tree crowns. Hazardous fuels, including blowdown from several windstorms this winter, will be removed from the forest understory. About a mile of roads will be constructed as part of the project, including 0.4 miles of temporary roads. 

The proposed treatments aim to promote the development of more fire-tolerant ponderosa pine and western larch trees, reduce potentially hazardous wildfire fuels, and promote habitat for elk, deer and other wildlife species.   

 If approved, the project is expected to kick off in October and wrap up no later than December 2030. Work would only occur between September 15 and March 15, allowing the park to remain open and accessible to summer recreationists. 

Comments on the environmental assessment will be accepted until 5 p.m. on June 5 and may be sent to David Bennetts at dbennetts@mt.gov. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 406-758-4433 or hsmalley@dailyinterlake.com. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.