Categorical Exclusion · Townsend Ranger District · updated 6/2/2026
e Bossell Elkhorn Special Uses Road Proposal Project located in T. 6 N, R. 1 W, Sec. 26, 27, 22, 21, 16 on the Townsend Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. · Broadwater; Jefferson, Montana
Dan Bossell has proposed motorized ingress and egress his property in the Elkhorns Geographic Area utilizing National Forest System Roads 424 (Crow Creek Road) & 277 (South Fork Crow Creek Road). Signed FANEC available at: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/nnekcp1eaewrhuz26nl1e3otuu7twe7k
Special use management
NEPA Start Date
9/23/2025
Finding/Decision Date
1/5/2026
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-28d-USFS |
| Decision Signed Date | 1/5/2026 |
Categorical Exclusion · Townsend Ranger District · updated 6/2/2026
he Bruins Elkhorn Special Uses Road Proposal Project located in T. 7 N, R. 1 W., Sec 6 on the Townsend Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. FSR 405-M2 (Merrell Spur Road) & FSR 405-M1 (Merrel Springs Road), FSR 405-L1 (Badger Creek Road). · Broadwater; Jefferson, Montana
The objective of this project is to permit long-term and recurrent access to private property on Forest Service Roads in the Elkhorns Geographic area via special use permit. Signed FANEC available at: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/mvwkgwv3jkwhyz484ymv7is234ug7hlk
Special use management
NEPA Start Date
2/24/2025
Finding/Decision Date
12/30/2025
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-28d-USFS |
| Decision Signed Date | 12/30/2025 |
Categorical Exclusion · Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest · updated 6/2/2026
T. 8 N, R. 1 W, Sec. 21, 22, 28 (Noreen) T. 7 N, R. 1 W, Sec. 09, 14, 15, 16, 23, 24 (Duncan) T. 8 N, R. 1 W, Sec. 22, 23, 26 (Semmens) 46°25'35.16", -111°43'51.64" (Noreen) 46°22'24.1", -111°44'42.5" (Duncan) 46°25'15.69", -111°41'52.15" (Semmens),Middle Canyon Ferry Lake Watershed (Noreen) Dry Creek-Missouri River (Duncan) Middle Canyon Ferry Lake (Semmens) · Broadwater; Jefferson, Montana
3 separate private land owners have proposed motorized ingress and egress their properties in the Elkhorns Geographic Area utilizing National Forest System Roads. Signed FANEC available at: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/3uph42nwtr02667nb5finf8jj2rj908f
Road managementSpecial area management
NEPA Start Date
8/15/2025
Finding/Decision Date
1/13/2026
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-28d-USFS |
| Decision Signed Date | 1/13/2026 |
Environmental Assessment · Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest · updated 6/2/2026
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest · Broadwater; Cascade; Chouteau; Fergus; Flathead; Gallatin; Glacier; Golden Valley; Jefferson; Judith Basin; Lewis and Clark; Meagher; Park; Pondera; Powell; Sweet Grass; Teton; Wheatland, Montana
This project would reduce the risk of uncharacteristically severe wildfire, improve forest resistance to disease and drought, increase tree growth and vigor as well as improve wildlife habitat and watershed function across the Forest.
Fuels managementVegetation management (other than forest products)
Finding/Decision Date
4/9/2026
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Decision Signed Date | 4/9/2026 |
Categorical Exclusion · Helena Ranger District · updated 6/2/2026
Park Lake Dam is located in the Helena Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, roughly 20 miles southwest of Helena, Montana, at latitude 46.444 and longitude -112.172 in Jefferson County, Montana. · Jefferson, Montana
Park Lake Dam Reconstruction will include removing all unacceptable material, stabilizing the foundation, and reconstructing the dam in-kind using a homogeneous embankment. Signed FANEC available at: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/trj8raeqy2vljp7vacggql
Facility management
NEPA Start Date
8/31/2025
Finding/Decision Date
3/13/2026
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-44d-USFS |
| Decision Signed Date | 3/13/2026 |
Environmental Assessment · Helena Ranger District · updated 5/28/2026 · decision 2/2027 (Estimated)
The project area is located approximately 20 miles west of Helena, in Powell and Lewis and Clark Counties, Montana.
This locatable mineral exploration project involves lands managed by the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Exploration would involve drilling on up to 127 drill pads, limited trenching, sample collection for geotechnical and geochemical analyses, and geophysical surveys.
Minerals and geology
NEPA Start Date
2/13/2026
Project documents
Environmental Assessment · Judith-Musselshell Ranger District · updated 5/14/2026 · decision 11/2026 (Estimated)
The Judith-Springs project lies in the eastern portion of the Little Belts Mountains in Judith Basin and Meagher Counties, north of Highway 12 in the Spring Creek, Musselshell and South Fork Judith River watersheds. The area is identified in the 2021 Helena-Lewis and Clark Land Management Plan as being with the Little Belts Geographic Area. See Appendix A in the Environmental Assessment for a map of the project area in addition to maps of the treatments. · Judith Basin; Meagher, Montana
A vegetation and forest fuels management project within the Little Belts Geographic Area to reduce hazardous fuels and maintain regional timber harvesting and milling infrastructure that supports local business.
Forest productsFuels managementVegetation management (other than forest products)
NEPA Start Date
11/12/2025
Project documents
Decision Memo · Lewis And Clark National Forest All Units · updated 9/29/2025
T14N, R8W, Sec 12 on the Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest · Lewis and Clark, Montana
2.8 miles of new aggregate and an additional 1.95 miles of existing aggregate surface to be treated with dust abatement to reduce dust and sediment delivery. Both bridge approaches and an additional section of road before the bridge to be repaved.
Road management
Decision
10/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
10/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.12 (4), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(4) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Road Maintenance |
| Forests | Lewis And Clark National Forest |
| Districts | Lincoln Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | 46.97917500, -112.55154600 |
Decision Memo · Lewis And Clark National Forest All Units · updated 9/29/2025
T13N, R9W, Section 34. · Lewis and Clark, Montana
Reroute of the Finn K1 road (#329-K1) to move the beginning mile post from private to Forest Service land. The project is located at T13N, R9W, Section 34. Approximately 200 ft of road would be rerouted and the old road would be obliterated.
Road management
Decision
10/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
10/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (24), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(24) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Road Improvements/Construction |
| Forests | Lewis And Clark National Forest |
| Districts | Lincoln Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Decision Memo · Helena Ranger District · updated 8/8/2025
The fiber line would follow along or within these roads: Wakina Sky Gulch Road, Arrastra Gulch Drive, Black Alder Gulch Road, FSR 647 (Prospector Gulch Road), and FSR 647-A1. · Lewis and Clark, Montana
Charter Communications to install buried fiber optic cable along & within Wakina Sky Gulch Road, Arrastra Gulch Drive, Black Alder Gulch Road, FSR 647 (Prospector Gulch Road), FSR 647-A1, and the private road under special use permit HEL201.
Special use management
Decision
08/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
08/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Special Use Authorizations |
| Forests | Lewis And Clark National Forest |
| Districts | Helena Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Environmental Assessment · Lewis And Clark National Forest All Units · updated 7/30/2025
Powell County - The project area is located between the western boundary of the Helena Ranger District and the Little Blackfoot River, south of Highway 12. · Powell, Montana
A vegetation management project to improve forest and watershed conditions and address hazardous wildfire fuel loads in and around the wildland urban interface.
Forest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels managementWatershed management
Comment Period
07/03/2024
Objection Period Start
04/17/2025
Decision
07/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
07/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | 218 (2013) Non-HFRA |
| Project Activity | Biomass; Fuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Special Products Sales; Noxious Weed Treatments; Road Maintenance; Road Improvements/Construction; Rangeland Vegetation Improvements; Timber Sales (Salvage); Timber Sales (Green); Watershed Improvements |
| Forests | Lewis And Clark National Forest |
| Districts | Helena Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Decision Memo · Lewis And Clark National Forest All Units · updated 7/14/2025
Stemple Pass Road on the Lincoln Ranger District · Lewis and Clark, Montana
Northwestern Energy proposal to replace their aerial powerline along Stemple Pass Road with approximately 1.5 miles (11 acres) of buried powerline on National Forest System (NFS) lands. Equipment will not need to be staged on NFS lands.
Special use management
Decision
07/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
07/2025 (Estimated)
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (2), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(2) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Special Use Authorizations |
| Forests | Lewis And Clark National Forest |
| Districts | Lincoln Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Secs. 14, 16, 21, 22, 23, T. 13 N, R. 8 W |
Decision Memo · Lewis And Clark National Forest All Units · updated 7/1/2025
Ten Mile Creek Drainage · Lewis and Clark, Montana
Proposal to upgrade the Red Mountain Flume by replacing its final 2.5 miles with a buried pipe, eliminating major water loss and improving the reliability of Helena's drinking water supply from Banner Creek to the Ten Mile Water Treatment Plant.
Special use management
Decision
06/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
07/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Special Area Management |
| City of Helena Red Mountain Flume Repair and Burial Decision Memo | Decision Signed Date: 06/27/2025 |
| Forests | Lewis And Clark National Forest |
| Districts | Helena Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | T 8 N, R. 5 W, Sec. 2, 3, 4, & 9 |
Environmental Assessment · White Sulphur Springs Ranger District · updated 6/24/2025
Castle Mountains · Meagher, Montana
Approximately 1,980 acres are proposed for treatment that would include commercial harvest of trees. Mechanical treatment methods would be used to accomplish the treatment objective of Improve Stand Health and Vigor.
Forest products
Comment Period
08/06/2024
Objection Period Start
03/04/2025
Decision
06/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
07/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | 218 (2013) Non-HFRA |
| Project Activity | Timber Sales (Green) |
| Forests | Lewis And Clark National Forest |
| Districts | White Sulphur Springs Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Environmental Assessment · Musselshell Ranger District · updated 4/30/2025
National Forest Lands in the South Fork Judith and Spring Creek Watersheds in the eastern portion of the Little Belt Mountains located in Central Montana. · Judith Basin; Meagher, Montana
A timber, vegetation and forest fuels management project within the Little Belt Mountains Geographic Area.
Forest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels management
Scoping Start
09/2025 (Estimated)
Comment Period
03/2026 (Estimated)
Objection Period Start
05/2026 (Estimated)
Decision
09/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
10/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | 218 (2013) Non-HFRA |
| Project Activity | Fuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Road Maintenance; Road Improvements/Construction; Timber Sales (Green) |
| Forests | Lewis And Clark National Forest |
| Districts | Musselshell Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Environmental Assessment · Lewis And Clark National Forest All Units · updated 2/12/2025
Project area is in the central portion of the Little Belt Mountains, West of U.S. Hwy 89 Between the communities of Monarch and Neihart, MT. · Cascade; Meagher, Montana
A Vegetation management project to reduce hazardous fuels and fire threat within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and to enhance associated forest and rangeland ecosystems across the project area.
Vegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels management
Comment Period
07/27/2023
Objection Period Start
05/18/2024
Decision
02/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
03/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | 218 (2013) Non-HFRA |
| Project Activity | Fuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Road Maintenance; Road Improvements/Construction; Rangeland Vegetation Improvements; Timber Sales (Green); Watershed Improvements |
| Forests | Lewis And Clark National Forest |
| Districts | White Sulphur Springs Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Decision Memo · Lewis And Clark National Forest All Units · updated 10/8/2024
Belt Creek-White Sulphur Springs Ranger District, Dry Fork of Belt Creek drainage, Evans property. · Cascade, Montana
This project grants special use authorization to the United States Air Force for the operation and maintenance of a missile cable line on a strip of land newly acquired by the Forest Service on the Belt Creek-White Sulphur Springs Ranger District.
Special use management
Decision
10/2024 (Estimated)
Implementation
10/2024 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Special Use Authorizations |
| Forests | Lewis And Clark National Forest |
| Districts | White Sulphur Springs Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Section 14, 15, and 22, T.13 N., R. 8 E., P.M.M. |
Decision Memo · Helena Ranger District · updated 2/26/2018
North of Highway 12 near the Dog and Sweeney Creek drainages. · Powell, Montana
The Divide Travel Plan closed numerous travel routes within the project area. In order to fully implement the travel plan decision closed routes will be obliterated and rehabilitated in addition hazardous mines within the area will be closed
Recreation managementMinerals and geology
Decision
12/2018 (Estimated)
Implementation
02/2019 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(8) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Road Decommissioning; Dispersed Recreation Mgmt.; Watershed Improvements |
| Forests | Lewis And Clark National Forest |
| Districts | Helena Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |