The Flathead National Forest is proposing a fuels-reduction project in the northwest area of the Flathead Valley. The project includes commercial logging and road building.
The Stovepipe Project would take place in the Tally Lake Ranger District west of Whitefish and Kalispell. The U.S. Forest Service hopes to open up nearly 5,000 acres to commercial timber harvest, while non-commercial thinning would take place on about 2,300 acres.
The project would require about 17 new miles of temporary and permanent roads. Nearly three miles of existing roadways would be closed to offset new roads intended for year-round use.
In a press release, Tally Lake District Ranger Bill Mulholland said the project’s objective is to reduce fire intensity in and around neighborhoods near the project area.
The Flathead National Forest is taking comments on the proposed project through June 26.
