Bitterroot National Forest

The Bitterroot National Forest Friday raised its fire danger level to "Extreme," the highest level. Under these conditions fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely.

A federal judge ruled in favor of conservation groups this month in a decision against allowing increased road building in the Bitterroot National Forest. The lawsuit, filed in 2024, argued federal agencies didn’t take a hard enough look at the impacts of roads on threatened species.

Gov. Greg Gianforte and his wife Susan donated a $5 million Helena mansion to the state this week. A massive forest management proposal in northwest Montana is ready for public comment. Military troops will be working on the Bitterroot National Forest this summer to help with much-needed infrastructure improvements.

Land managers are asking Montanans to be extra vigilant about fire safety heading into the long Independence Day weekend.

Montana’s new plan to manage elk has been adopted after years of development. The Darby/Sula Ranger District on western Montana’s Bitterroot National Forest has a new leader.

As wildfire season winds down, late summer and early fall prescribed burning is picking up throughout Montana.

The Bitterroot National Forest seeks comment on four proposed fuel break projects. The Flathead National Forest is also seeking comment on a proposed logging project. A new report shows Yellowstone visitors, spending dropped by a third this year.

Bitterroot National Forest raised its fire danger to high this week. Montana wildlife officials restrict afternoon fishing on three rivers in southwest Montana.

Annual climbing restrictions are now in effect north of Hamilton on the Bitterroot National Forest.

Conservation group Trout Unlimited is getting $40 million from the federal government to fund watershed restoration efforts in national forests across the country, including here in Montana.