Flathead National Forest

The project near Olney is within the area burned by the East Fork Fire this summer. The project would allow for logging on 250 acres to salvage fire-killed trees that would otherwise decay. It would also include a half-mile of temporary road construction.

The Flathead National Forest is reopening more of the Hungry Horse Reservoir to the public as recent rains have helped firefighters contain wildfires in the area.

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.

Record setting high temperatures and gusty winds created a dramatic increase in fire activity in western Montana Tuesday. However, much of the increased activity was inside containment lines of existing fires. High water temperatures prompted Montana wildlife officials to implement hoot-owl restrictions on the lower Madison River starting Aug. 16.

The 13,000 acre Middle Ridge Fire burning west of Ronan is listed at 25% containment. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ (CSKT) Division of Fire said crews continued mop up efforts Thursday. The almost 14,000 acre Niarada Fire west of Elmo continues actively burning in a mix of timber and brush.

Fire officials announced Wednesday that Stage 1 fire restrictions will be implemented across most of northwest Montana this weekend. The move comes in advance of anticipated above-normal temperatures and deepening drought conditions.

Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect due to the Colt Fire, burning northwest of Seeley Lake. Residents near the intersection of Beaver Creek Road and Highway 83 have been ordered to evacuate. A lightning-caused fire is burning roughly 120 acres five miles east of Arlee.

Flathead National Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele is leaving his post after accepting a new role within the Forest Service. A grizzly bear in the Madison range southeast of Ennis was killed by a hunter last week.

Flathead National Forests' initial proposal to not review potential environmental impacts is raising questions about how forest managers decide which projects deserve a closer study.

An internet service provider says it will use tens of millions of dollars in federal funding to expand high-speed internet access in western Montana. Officials with Montana’s national forests say prescribed burning is set to begin and run through the spring season. The Missoula Police Department says three female juveniles were taken into custody Wednesday regarding alleged threats made against Hellgate High School.