Deb Mucklow retires

Almost all of the snow has melted in Columbia Falls, but not on Trail Creek. Yes, there are bare spots – south facing hills and tree wells – but many places still have two or more feet of heavy snow covering the ground. Thanks to the superb work of the Flathead County Road Department, the North Fork Road is basically bare and water-free. A mudslide on Wurtz Hill threatened to block travel on the road, but, yet again, quick action by Flathead County cleared the hazard and minimized damage. Even so, spring run-off means there will be plenty of potholes and a few frost boils to keep drivers on their toes while navigating the North Fork.

All in all the North Fork is messy this time of year, with mud, melting snow, and a rough road. That is why I went to Arizona last week to visit my mother, and then to California to visit the Meekees for several days. In addition to sunny, warm weather and the great company of North Forkers, there was also the opportunity for great wildlife viewing. Saw hundreds of sea lions, multiple seals, tons of dolphins, and dozens of pelicans, and topped it all off with sightings of three species of whales, including two humpbacks that breached within a hundred yards or so of the boat. Their magnificent tails are almost as impressive as a grizzly bear’s face.

Got back to Columbia Falls in time to attend the retirement party for Deb Mucklow as District Ranger of the Spotted Bear District. Hard to imagine she has been at Spotted Bear for 18 years, but easy to remember her time at Glacier View and the North Fork. Throughout her more than 30-year career, she has been known for her work ethic and commitment to multi-use management of the forest. She exemplifies the best of the Forest Service on a forest with many great employees.

In addition to her regular duties, she has been the most active and successful District Ranger on the Flathead Forest in acquiring RAC grants to support trail work in her district, and to facilitate recruiting volunteers in improving recreational opportunities. To top it off, she has been involved in the Forestry Expo for years, and is this year’s chairman. The Expo is an educational event aimed at elementary students and the general public. It is a week long event hosted by the F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Company.

She may not be a North Fork landowner, but she is still a true North Forker, along with retirees Mike Connor and George Wilson, who were among the 200 or so who attended the party. Best wishes to you, Deb, with long life and prosperity.

Larry Wilson’s column appears weekly in the Hungry Horse News.