Forest Service orders temporary closure of Blankenship Camp

The Flathead National Forest announced Friday it was implementing an emergency closure order at Blankenship Bridge on lands it manages southwest of the bridge to motorized vehicles and camping due to high water.

Seasonal runoff combined with recent and forecasted rains have created increased river levels on the Flathead River which has submerged the access road to the Blankenship southwest gravel bar.

“This is a short-term closure order put in place for public safety and will be lifted when water levels recede,” the Forest said in a release.

At least two vehicles have become stuck at the bar in the past week, according to photos provided to the Hungry Horse News, although witnesses said one pickup truck was messing around, rather than simply trying to access the de facto camp.

The camp has been a point of controversy in recent years with Blankenship neighbors. A group is currently suing the Forest Service claiming its management of the site, or lack thereof, violates the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and other federal laws.

The Forest said it would reopen the camp when water levels recede.