Timber project planned for reservoir

A timber project on the east side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir has been resurrected after being mothballed for about six years.

The Betty-Baptiste project calls for a variety of logging and thinning projects a several units from Paint Creek to Dry Parks Creek.

All told, the project would include about 5 to 6 million board feet of timber harvest over 940 acres.

In addition, about 71 acres would see thinning around western white pine to encourage that species.

“We’re trying to reduce competition with that species,” said project leader Michele Draggoo.

All told, 2.7 miles of temporary roads would be built and three miles of road would be bermed along with six miles of road reclaimed.

Some thinning would also open up vistas along the East Side Reservoir Road.

The project was first proposed in 2012, but Draggoo noted that planners were pulled off the project to work on Forest Plan revision and other priorities.

Written, hand-delivered, and oral comments can be delivered to Draggoo at 650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell, MT 59901; by fax (406)758-5367; or by phone at (406)758-5269. Please submit comments electronically to: comments-northern-flathead-hungry-horse-glacier-view@fs.fed.us. For additional information on the project, visit the Flathead National Forest site at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/flathead/projects, or contact Michele Draggoo at (406) 758-5269.