FS seeks feedback on local project

The Forest Service invites the public to provide feedback on the Wilkes Cherry Project on the Plains/Thompson Ranger District, located south of Thompson Falls in Sanders County. This project includes a variety of management activities supporting vegetation, fuels reduction, road management, watershed improvement and recreation management on nearly 68,000 within the Wilkes Cherry and Cherry Creek drainages on the Lolo National Forest.

The project includes activities that aim to reduce fuels, restore vegetation conditions, update existing recreation facilities, maintain and approve aquatic native species habitat and watershed conditions, maintain a suitable transportation system and contribute wood products to the local and regional economy.

“This project supports the Forest Service’s efforts to implement the Wildfire Crisis Strategy with activities designed to restore vegetation conditions that are resilient to natural disturbances and reduce the accumulation of fuels to moderate wildfire hazard, intensity and the potential to spread to nearby residents and the community of Thompson Falls,” said Dan Castillo, Acting District Ranger for the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District.

The public is invited to participate in the scoping period to help the agency determine what actions are needed, potential alternatives and potential issues.

Comments may be sent electronically by clicking the “Comment/Object on Project” button of the project webpage found at http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59163.

Post mail and/or hand deliver by February 8, 2023, to:

ATTN: Wilkes Cherry, Plains/Thompson Ranger District, PO Box 429, Plains, MT 59859.