Comments sought for Moose Peak Fire salvage project

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District is asking for comments on a proposed salvage project expected to begin this summer. Last year’s Moose Peak Fire created a 250-acre project area, located approximately 22 miles northeast of Thompson Falls near Fishtrap Creek.

Proposed action would entail removal of most dead and dying trees at least eight inches in diameter at chest height, in 8-foot length sections, 5.6-inch diameter top and 33 percent sound. Action includes leaving live trees, with exception of a few incidentals requiring removal for landing and skidding operations.

As land in the area is forgiving, all timber is removable by use of harvesters and/or skidders. All units are accessible by existing roads, although one temporary road, roughly half a mile long, would be constructed in order to skid timber in larger units and later decommissioned.

Of the salvageable tree species, approximately 60 percent is lodgepole pine and the remaining 40 percent is comprised of mainly Douglas-fir and western larch.

The Plains Ranger District has outlined the purpose and need for action as a way to, “recover the economic value of forest products in a timely manner to contribute to employment and income in local communities and avoid loss of commodity value.”

The district commented the project has been “designed to avoid or minimize environmental impacts and comply with all applicable laws, regulation and direction.” They have included “site-specific evaluations” such as buffering stream and riparian areas, operations occurring when soil is frozen or dry, weed control through equipment washing, and not constructing any permanent roads.

In addition, Forest Service resource specialists have initially concluded that the project is not within critical Canada lynx habitat, Grizzly Bear Recovery Area, or within wilderness or any area being considered for wilderness designation or possible protection through Congress. The area is not part of an old growth stand.

According to the Plains Ranger District, this preliminary assessment and allowance of Forest Service to salvage dead and dying trees in areas not exceeding 250 acres, with no more than half a mile of temporary road construction, permits this project proposal to be exempt from processes of a documented Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement.

Comments, concerns or inquiries on this project should be received no later than Feb. 21, and can be sent to: Project Leader, Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District, P.O. Box 429, Plains, MT 59859, or by emailing, [email protected]. More information is available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/lolo/landmanagement/projects.