Kootenai National Forest — Project Detail

This project focuses on wildlife habitat improvement through vegetation management using prescribed burning and thinning . King Kong aims to use opportunities created by OLY to expand further up drainages and move areas towards desired conditions for wildlife habitat.

The district is proposing non-harvest fuels treatment and harvest treatment in areas surrounding Logan creek and Star creek. The objective of this project is to improve forest health and promote forest resiliency.

Alternative 2 include regeneration harvest, intermediate harvest, regeneration harvest with opening over 40 acres, non-harvest fuel treatments, pre-commercial thinning, road decommissioning and storage, road construction and maintenance, road work to improve the watershed and recreation improvements

This project proposes to reduce hazardous fuels and manage stands to increase forest health and resilience in the project area. This project includes 808 acres of non-harvest fuel treatment, 916 acres of harvest treatment, treatment in old growth and road construction and maintenance.

The proposed alternative includes recreation improvements, harvest on 2,971 acres, non-harvest fuels treatment on 6,856 acres, permanent and temporary road construction, road maintenance, and road storage, treatment in old growth, and harvest units over 40 acres.

The USFS’ need is to respond to Montanore Minerals Corporation's submittal of a Plan and ensure operations would be conducted, where feasible, to reasonably minimize adverse environmental impacts on NFS surface resources (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 228.8, Subpart A).

The project purpose is to improve forest resistance and resilience to insects, disease, fire, and drought by reducing tree density and increasing size class diversity across the landscape, reduce fuel loadings and improve soil restoration.

River and habitat restoration on approximately 2,400 feet of the Vermilion River in the Grouse Creek reach, located near Trout Creek, Montana.

"We have received three Plans of Operation to conduct small-scale suction dredging activities in Star Creek, and the Yaak River. The Forest Service will analyze effects to the resources in the project area.

Replacing two culverts with new aquatic organism passage crossings in West Fork Rock Creek and Orr Creek to enhance year-round access to spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and west slope cutthroat trout in the Rock Creek watershed.

Realignment of 0.7 miles of existing National Forest System Road 150 (Rock Creek Road) to reduce fine sediment from entering Rock Creek. Decommissioning and stablization of the remaining road bed and additional road maintenance.

Realigning a 1,100-foot section of Marten Creek Road due to a failing fill slope. The road is located in Trout Creek, Montana near Marten Creek Bay on the Noxon Reservoir.

Relocation of the existing trailhead for the St. Paul Lake Trail #646, decommissioning and removal of developments at the remaining trailhead site, and relocation of the beginning portion of the trail to the new trailhead.

Vegetation and fuels management activities to address insect and disease and hazardous fuels in the project area. Located approximately 5 miles west of Trout Creek, Montana in the Tuscor Creek drainage.

Construct a 6.6 mile segment of the PNT between Abayance Bay Marina and the north side of the Pinkham Creek canyon and another 0.8 mile segment between the sound side of Pinkham Creek canyon and the Koocanusa Bridge to move trail off of HWY 37.

modification of 3 recreation sites adjacent to Lake Koocanusa addressing overnight camping, dispersed sites, and ohv use

rehabilitation of deteriorating road system which is currently closed to all public motorized use, and prevent future mass wasting, sediment delivery and erosion from the road system to Dry Creek and related minor tributaries.

Realignment of two motorized trails, Smeads Bench Trail #1077 and South Fork Pilgrim Creek Trail #1084, to enhance resource protection and user access.

stream habitat restoration program proposed for 9 specific reaches on the Vermilion River over a 10 yr period

A forest plan amendment to delineate additional National Forest System lands as Bears Outside the Recovery Zone areas, update linear miles for these lands, and clarify direction for managing motorized access on these lands.

The Cabinet Ranger District is proposing access changes in the Bull Bear Management Unit (BMU4) that reduce the total and open road density and increase the core habitat available to grizzly bears as required by the 2015 Land Management Plan.

The purpose of the Saw Creek Project is to improve forest stand health affected by insects and disease and to reduce hazardous fuels near Trout Creek, MT.

Groundwater well installation in the Vermilion River stream and adjacent floodplain. Wells would be installed in multiple locations throughout a 1.5 mile stream reach to establish a water quality monitoring network.

To improve the core condition in bear managment unit (BMU) 5, this project proposes to store National Forest System roads 6214 and 6214F. Stabilization work would occur on these yearlong gated roads to store and place into grizzly bear core habitat.

Mineral exploration project in the Vermilion drainage near Trout Creek, Montana. The project proposes to excavate an area of ~1/2 acre (100'x200') on one unpatented mining claim and material processing on a second nearby unpatented mining claim.

Plug a side channel of Keeler Creek because the road is at risk of washout. The work would armor the head end of the channel against bankfull and higher runoff events to minimize erosive flow down the channel and towards the road.

This project is cancelled because it has been incorporated into another project. The updated project name and tracking number is Smeads Pilgrim Motorized Trails Reroute - #64079.

Operators of the Stargazing mine are proposing a mining operation that would remove approximately 100 tons of placer material from the mountainside and set up three core drilling sites to explore for minerals.

The Rock Creek Mine is a proposal for a copper/silver mine under the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness in Sanders County Montana on the Kootenai National Forest. The proposal includes an associated mill, tailings storage facility and a waste water treatme

We are proposing timber harvest; mechanical and hand piling of fuels; wildlife and aquatic habitat improvement such as prescribed burning and stream restoration work; and trail and other recreation improvements.

Provide access to private landowner as access through other lands cannot be obtained

Proposes veg mgmt on 2,360 ac. Proposed activities include timber harvest, fuels reduction, prescribed burning, pre-commercial thin, wildlife habitat improvement, access mgmt changes, watershed rehab including decommissioning, and aspen restoration

Provide access to private lands across NFS as other access cannot be obtained through other private land

Install a new SST (Sweet Smelling Toilet) in the Young Creek Bay area to address ongoing sanitation problems

The project improves motorized and non-motorized recreational opportunity within the Allen Peak Inventoried Roadless Area in the Vermilion River drainage and improves grizzly bear habitat in Bear Management Unit 8.

This project includes fuel and vegetation management through commercial timber harvest, pre-commercial thinning and fuel grinding. Also includes 1.81 miles of road storage, 1 mile of temporary road construction, and 0.23 miles of trail construction.

Permits for 2022 commercial mushroom harvesting and designated camp area for commercial harvesters for resource protection and sanitation management.

The proposal includes salvage timber harvesting, commercial roadside hazard tree removal, fuel reduction work following harvest and hazard tree removal, non-commercial roadside hazard tree removal, reforestation, riparian revegetation, and road work.

The Kootenai National Forest, in conjunction with Montana's Dept. of Environmental Quality will prepare an EIS for a proposal to permit the development of the Montanore silver/copper mine and associated power transmission line by Mines Management Inc

Enhance watershed, riparian areas, and habitat conditions for native trout and wildlife along East Fork Bull River by hand-planting native vegetation along about 800 feet of floodplain.

Proponent seeks to improve and partially relocate component of a water collection and transmission system currently under permit (CAB1030).

The purpose of this project is to analyze the potential environmental effects of proposed small scale suction dredging operations on approximately 1.5 miles of the Yaak River and respond to the claimants' Plans of Operations submitted to the KNF.

Mineral exploration project in the Vermilion drainage near Trout Creek, Montana. Plan of Operation proposing to excavate 10 test pits (10x4x8 feet) using a mini excavator on an unpatented mining claim.

Salvage harvest of approximately 15 acres of wind-damaged blowdown

The Forest Service would construct a long-term boardwalk on the Ross Creek Nature Trail #405 to improve accessibility for families, elderly and individuals with a disability and to reduce maintenance issues.

In-stream restoration of Sims reach of the Vermilion River to restore habitat and hydrological processes.

Increase resilience to insects/disease & wildfire through commercial harvest and fuel rx. Use natural fuels rx to increase forage for big game species. Trail access changes to create a safe sustainable trail system. Expand campground to match use.

Extension of fiber optic cable across National Forest System Lands to private property. Right of way across Forest System lands anticipated to be six feet in width and approximately three-hundred ninety feet in length.

Allow replacement of temporary overhead electrical service with permanent installation of underground power across National Forest System lands to serve private development.

Authorize organized snowmobile event in the Grave Creek drainage

Dorr Skeels campground improvement includes removing select lodgepole pine and cedar trees that have become a safety issue, stabilize the beach shoreline to provide resource protection, replace and upgrade site furnishings, and add a new tent site.

Installment of a single log stringer bridge to replace the loss of preexisting bridge lost in 2015 flooding event.

This project involves non-commercial and commercial vegetation treatments to address concerns related to risk of insect and disease and fuels management within the 130-acre project area.

Proposal to consolidate two garbage collection sites to one area and provide additional measures to prevent wildlife habituation to garbage.

Recreation site improvements and maintenance of existing roads, water access, and day-use facilities to better accommodate and enhance the recreation opportunity

Includes requests for renewals of six outfitter and guide special use permits and eleven new outfitter and guide special use permits on the Rexford and Fortine Ranger Districts.

Improve safe operations to the visiting public on 4.9 acres not currently authorized under existing special use permit. Allow for increased parking and construction of berms, targets, benches & additional safety operations including reduced noise.

The primary purpose of this project is to reduce the potential for increased outbreaks of western pine beetle and pine engraver beetle by lowering the basal area below 40 square feet and trees per acre of the immediate surrounding area.

Proposal for a one day snowmobile event for youth and adults in the Grave Creek and Therriault Lakes Area.

Harvest of approximately 240 acres to increase stand resilency to Mountain Pine Beetles.

The Three Rivers Ranger District plans to install a metal bat grate over an abandoned mine opening in the Callahan drainage. The closure is scheduled to take place mid-September 2019.

The Three Rivers Ranger District plans to install a metal bat grate over an abandoned mine opening in the Callahan drainage. The closure is scheduled to take place mid-September 2019.

The Flathead NF is revising their forest plan and preparing an amendment providing relevant direction from the NCDE Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy into the forest plans for the Lolo, Helena, Kootenai, and Lewis & Clark National Forests.

The Forest is proposing to harvest 40 trees on the east side of Highway 93 near the South end of Murphy Lake that have been pre-identified as a hazard, and up to 20 additional trees at-risk trees that may die before the project is completed.

Trend vegetation species composition, structure, and distributions toward desired conditions described in the Forest Plan.

Salvage of approximately 208 acres of dead and dying lodgepole pine burned as part of the Gold Hill Fire suppression effort. Salvaged material would contribute to a supply of post and pole materials for a local market.

Hand planting of early seral tree seedlings (w. larch, w. white pine, Englemann spruce) to promote accelerated development of desirable species composition within the Miller-Deep Fire perimeter.

A proposal to issue a temporary special use permit to allow a one day recreation event on the Fortine Ranger District.

Salvage harvest to recover the economic value of the wood damaged by insects and diseases, reducing hazardous fuels and the spread of pathogens to healthy forest stands.

Authorization of residential access to private land adjacent to Kootenai National Forest land through the use and maintenance of a 120ft by 20ft driveway from NFSR #2735

Salvage of blown down and root sprung trees on 160 acres in the Trego Triangle area.

This project includes timber harvest, hazardous fuels reduction treatments, prescribed burning, watershed improvements, and recreation site improvements. About 52% of the project area is within the wildland urban interface.

Recover economic value of fire affected trees, reduce hazards along roadsides, and move species composition towards desired conditions within the Cub Fire perimeter.

Commercial Mushroom Harvest permit system for areas within several 2017 fires on the Kootenai and Lolo National Forests. Personal use mushroom harvest permit system for other 2017 fire areas.

Harvest a portion of the trees killed by the Gibralter Ridge Fire.

Remove 50 acres of hazard trees along open roads within the Moose Peak fire perimeter.

Salvage harvest ~199 acres of dead and dying trees within the fire perimeter and ~26 acres outside the fire perimeter that were affected by suppression activities.

Analysis of commercial Christmas tree permits across the Fortine and Rexford Ranger Districts

Project proposes to salvage blown down, root sprung, and dead or dying larch, lodgepole pine, spruce and subalpine fir to contribute to a supply of timber for local needs, reduce high fuels accumulations and control insect and disease.

The Elk Rice project would include 93 harvest units, with activities and timber harvest on about 2,500 acres, including: about 1,700 acres of regeneration harvest and 490 acres of intermediate harvest. Eleven regeneration openings exceed 40 acres.

A proposal to authorize a special use permit to relocate the green box garbage collection site located on Lincoln County right-of-way land near the intersection of the Pinkham Creek and Othorp Lake roads.

Request for additional (100 days)equestrian use (horseback rides) for an existing special use outfitter and guide permit.

Salvage about 30 fire killed trees from the narrow exemption strip that extends into privately owned property.

121 acres clear cuts, 220 acres intermediate harvest, 159 acres pre-commercial thinning, 4.5 miles road reconstruction, 2.5 miles new temp road construction.

stream restoration in critical bull trout habitat

Includes 23 timber harvest units with treatments including commercial timber harvest on approximately 655 acres, which includes regeneration harvests (345 acres), and intermediate treatments (310 acres). Two harvest units would exceed 40 acres.

The 2016 Fun Run is a one day snowmobile event proposed in the Grave Creek and Therriault Lakes area.

Salvage of approximately 92 acres of fire killed trees from three separate fire areas.

Salvage of windthrown trees

Removal of trees and vegetation approximately 30 feet either side of the road prism along NFSRs 5894, 5896, and 5900 for approximately 2.7 miles.

Harvest of merchantable timber (commercial) on 545 acres. Approx. 8100 acres of natural fuels burning for forage enhancement. All log yarding in these proposed units would be accomplished with skyline and tractor based systems.

Exploration drilling on MMG's claims in Hellroaring Creek, including one drill site with up to three drill holes. Drilling would be off the side of open National Forest System Road (NFSR) 745, Hellroaring Creek Road.

Access and exploration of existing mine portal. Bulk sample removal of material for testing offsite.

Request for access to Black Diamond Mine

authorization for special use permit allowing use and maintenance of water system on and across NFS land for private water use for domestic and irrigation applications.

Revision of Forest Plan management direction.

Improvements to the existing Abayance Bay Marina and Campground, currently operating under a special use permit.

installation of a new meteorological monitoring station in the Chicago ridge area on the Cabinet Ranger District

Construct a new access spur to circumnavigate a washed out area on a popular local trail system for motorized use.

Provide for public safety on the recreation trail (Trail #900); Manage stand density and species composition to enhance resilience to insects and disease; and contribute forest products to the local and regional economy.

Vegetation management, prescribed burning, and watershed restoration work in the Buckhorn Planning Subunit in the Yaak River drainage

250 acres - Harvest dead/dying and adjacent live trees that are susceptible to Mountain Pine Beetle infestation.

Trail head relocation, rehabilitation of existing motorized trail, reroute (new construction)of trail to motorized standards (for vehicles less than 50 inches width - ATV).

Approval of small mining Plan of Operations and permitting

Removal of select trees along existing cross country ski trail that are causing snow intercept; improvement of trail corridor fro grooming of ski trail.

A request for an outfitter and guide permit that would authorize up to 120 user days to operate a 5-day rock climbing instruction course once per year in the Stone Hill climbing area.

Precommercially thin 314 acres, primarily in Sullivan Creek drainage, as part of district insect and disease thinning program.

A request for an outfitter and guide permit to authorize launch of chartered fishing boats from Rexford Bench, Peck Gulch and Rocky Gorge (a total of 30 launches).

Request for special use permit to authorize MT DNRC 1800 feet of road easement across NFSL.

Special Use Permit Application for outfitter and guide, guided equestrian, horse drawn wagon, and sleigh ride activities in the West Kootenai area.

The project includes a plan of operations from an individual on a claim on the Yaak River. Suction dredging and power sluicing are proposed.

Upgrade approximately 1600 feet of existing open road (Road #7308) to meet Lincoln County Subdivision Road specifications and improve access to private lands.

HFRA Urban interface fuels treatments and possible other management actions in the South Fork Yaak planning subunit

This project proposes to treat approximately 4,962 acres with precommercial thinning across the two districts.

322 acres of timber land with commercial thinning and regeneration harvest, 231 acres of prescribed fire use for forage enhancement. No new perm. roads, and 9 miles of existing road reconditioning

Salvage of blowndown timber from the paved road in Dorr Skeels Campground

Salvage of blown down timber in the North Fork Yaak drainage.

Thinning of overstocked lodgepole pine stands with removal of pole timber.

Drilling of eight (8) core holes from three (3) separate locations.

Exploratory drilling is proposed on existing Forest roads. Drill sites are on the road surface and are approximately 100' long x 20' wide.

Troy Mine, Inc.of Troy, MT has proposed to revise the Reclamation Plan for its copper and silver mining and milling operation.

Small mine operation. Project would approve exploration pits and require restoration by November 1, 2011.

The Rexford and Fortine Ranger Districts are reviewing 5 requests for renewals of existing special use permits.

This project includes 5 requests for renewals of existing special use permits. Four of these requests provide access to private land across National Forest System Lands (NFSL). One request provides access across NFSL for the Montana FWP.

Renewal of a special use permit for a water irrigation pipeline that traverses 3450 feet of NFS lands.

Proposes vegetation management activities including timber harvest, fuels reduction, prescribed burning, wildlife habitat improvement, access management changes and watershed rehabilitation.

mandated creation of Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) on the Cabinet RD. Deadline for publication and release is September 2010.

Construct a new non-motorized trail to access the North Fork of the Bull River trail system from FSR#410. The original access was the former FSR #2722, which was washed out in 2007. This new trail would be located near the old roadway location.

various SUP renewals, various locations on district, to be completed in fiscal year 2010.

Sanders County Road Department has proposed to reopen and expand the existing Rock Creek Gravel pit. Total area of disturbance could be up to 4.5 acres. No commercial timber would be removed.

Utilize prescribed fire along with minor amounts of slashing, hand piling, and machine piling to treat fuels in the urban interface. The area experienced fire on a 10-25 year interval historically. Treatments are designed to mimic this pattern.

Recover economic value of fire-killed timber in a timely manner and contribute to long-term yield of forest products.

Preparation of a Supplemental EIS to amend land and resource management plans for the Idaho Panhandle, Kootenai, and Lolo National Forests to address motorized access management within the Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak Grizzly Bear Recovery Zones.

Installation of 8,900 feet of telephone line within right-of-way of NFS Rd. #5828 (North Fork Yaak), minimum of 30 inches depth.

Reduction of Fuels, Intermediate Timber Harvest, Prescribed Burning

Salvage dead, dying, and high risk off-site ponderosa pine planted in 1958, and lodgepole pine over 43 acres to reduce the likelihood of severe mortality due to bark beetles. Less than 1 mile temporary road construction.

The Rexford and Fortine Districts have received requests for special use permits for nonconsumptive recreational uses. This includes rock climbing, kayaking/canoeing, bicycling, camping, and equestrian riding.

Project may include ecosystem burning, thinning, intermediate timber harvest, regeneration harvest, BMP improvements to roads and/or stream restoration.

Proposed treatment of noxious weeds using an integrated weed management strategy that includes both aerial and ground herbicide application along with hand-pulling, cultivation, biological control agents, and cultural control.

Lolo NF - Montana State DNRC land exchange State wants to trade isolated, scattered school trust lands surrounded by NFS lands; FS would consolidate ownership, acquire access, riparian, roadless & recreation lands & big game winter range.

Fuel reduction/management in the Little Beaver drainage. Proposal includes commercial thinning on 780 acres, regeneration harvest on 398 acres, prescribed burning only on 691 acres, and 5.5 miles of new permanent roads, 2 miles of temp roads.

Replacement of existing underwater cable system

The Rexford Ranger District is reviewing a number of requests for issuing special use outfitter and guide permits for non-consumptive recreational uses by various institutional groups and individuals.

Project includes timber harvest, prescribed burning, road BMP's, road decommissioining and storage, motorized access changes, temporary road construction, Forest Plan amendment for open road density in MA 12.

Thinning of 140 acres of ponderosa pine to increase vigor and make them less susceptible to mountain pine beetle attack.

Precommercial thinning of conifers (wui and non-wui), including western white pine daylighting, mountain pine beetle thinning, wildlife habitat enhancement,lynx research thinning provisions