Forest seeks input on Crystal Creek trails

The Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest is asking for public input on management opportunities on Forest Service lands north of Columbia Falls and west of the Flathead River. This area includes Crystal Creek, Cedar Flats, Spoon Lake, Blankenship, and Teakettle Mountain.

The Crystal Cedar project aims to reduce hazardous fuels in the wildland-urban interface, improve the health and diversity of forest vegetation communities, and provide a range of trail-based recreation opportunities near the community of Columbia Falls.

The Forest Service has already received input from the Cedar Flats Working Group, a subcommittee of Gateway to Glacier, regarding the development of a nonmotorized trail network north of Columbia Falls.

The group is looking at improving and possibly expanding mountain bike and other trails in the area. The Forest Service is considering this proposal and would like to receive input from other members of the community. For more information about the Cedar Flats Working Group, you can visit www.gatewaytoglaciertrail.com or contact crystalcedartrails@gmail.com

The Flathead National Forest is seeking public input, preferably by Dec. 15.

More details about the Crystal Cedar project area, a map of the project area, and instructions on how to provide information to the district can be found online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52844. The Web site also allows people to subscribe to electronic updates on the project so you can stay up to date on project development.

To find out more about the project, please contact Sarah Canepa, project team leader, at the Hungry Horse Ranger Station, 406-387-3800.