Environmental groups sue Flathead Forest over West Reservoir Project

Environmental groups Swan View Coalition and Friends of the Wild Swan are suing the U.S. Forest Service for allegedly sidestepping Endangered Species Act requirements to approve a timber project west of Hungry Horse Reservoir.

Flathead National Forest signed off on the West Reservoir Project in March 2026, despite what the environmental groups contend are risks to native grizzly bear and bull trout populations.  

The conservation groups worry that roads built for the project will fragment habitat and displace grizzly bears, leading to long-term population declines. Sediments from roadways could also slough into nearby waterways, many of which serve as critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout. 

Both species are listed under the Endangered Species Act. The law requires the Forest Service to consult with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on any project that may affect endangered species and publish a biological opinion outlining strategies to mitigate risks. 

Officials forewent the typical assessment and consultation processes for the West Reservoir Project by designating the work as an emergency response. 

“There is, however, no emergency,” reads a complaint filed in federal court in Missoula on June 5. “Accordingly, the Forest Service’s action is arbitrary and capricious in violation of the Endangered Species Act and should be invalidated.” 

The Endangered Species Act permits agencies to pursue alternative consultation procedures in “situations involving acts of God, disasters, casualties, national defense or security emergencies, etc.” The West Reservoir Project aims to address what the environmental groups characterized as routine and well-known factors, including wildfire risk and the potential for insect infestations.   

First proposed in 2023, the project includes 2,001 acres of commercial treatments, 5,703 acres of noncommercial treatments and 4.7 miles of road construction. The work is expected to unfold over the course of 10 years. 

The project does qualify for an emergency action determination introduced by the United States Department of Agriculture in April 2025 to expediate the internal review process for timber projects on forestlands considered at high risk for catastrophic wildfire and insect and disease outbreaks. The emergency action determination does not make any direct changes to external review processes, including those mandated under the Endangered Species Act. 

“The Flathead fabricated an emergency in order to sidestep protections for grizzly bears and bull trout while also cutting the public out of the process,” said Arlene Montgomery, program director for Friends of the Wild Swan, in a statement. “They were planning this timber sale for three years. No emergency here, only unlawful behavior.” 

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.