Forest Service lands still open during shutdown
<p>The Flathead National Forest has shut down its popular cabin rental program because of the federal budget shutdown, including use of the Hornet Lookout up the North Fork.</p>
While the federal government shutdown Sept. 30 forced Glacier National Park to close its borders to vacationers, most lands on the Flathead National Forest will remain open.
The Forest Service posted information on the doors of the Hungry Horse Ranger Station on Oct. 2 that said ungated roads on Forest Service lands will remain open.
Flathead Forest officials closed developed campgrounds but left undeveloped dispersed campgrounds open.
The cabin rental program also has stopped, and no further reservations will be taken until the federal budget shutdown ends.
The Flathead Forest stopped selling firewood permits, including through local vendors, and Forest Service offices are closed.
Most Forest Service employees were furloughed because of the shutdown, but like Glacier Park, law enforcement officers will continue to conduct patrols. The Flathead Forest will also continue fire protection activities.