Forest Service could offer more business permits
Opportunities for more guiding and outfitting may open up on Forest Service land in the Hungry Horse area, Hungry Horse/Glacier View district ranger Rob Davies said last week.
Speaking to the Gateway2Glacier business group last week, Davies said the easiest business opportunities — what he termed “the low hanging fruit” — are non-motorized services that don’t require an extensive environmental analysis.
For example, the Forest is considering allowing a livery service for boats on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and the Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Other opportunities could include guided fishing and sea kayaking services on the reservoir and cross-country ski tours.
The Forest Service recently allowed a motorized-use event, Davies said — a motocross race at the track below the Hungry Horse Dam this May. He said he decided to allow the permit to go forward despite some reservations from staff — a big concern is bears getting into food and garbage at camps.
Motocross races were held at the same track each spring as a fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club in Columbia Falls, but the organization stopped hosting the event several years ago.
“I think an event like this could be good for the community,” Davies said.
Past motocross races drew hundreds of participants and large crowds. The permit includes both the race and on-site camping. Davies said Forest Service personnel will be vigilant about enforcing food storage orders.
In other Forest Service news:
• Davies said the Forest Service may allow a limited firewood gathering season on the west side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir where the road is paved.
The season would last for a few weeks in the spring when traffic levels are light. There are also plans to open some roads that are currently gated off on McGinnis Creek to allow for firewood harvest.
• Several small timber sales in the Canyon area are being developed for this coming season. The projects are designed to reduce fuel loads in the wildland-urban interface near homes.
This winter, a thinning project was completed just south of the Hungry Horse Ranger Station.