The Bitterroot National Forest has announced that it is moving forward on a proposal to harvest 45 acres of fire-killed trees within the Roaring Lion drainage southwest of Hamilton. The trees were burned in the Roaring Lion Fire which started on July 31st and burned close to 8,700 acres of National Forest System (NFS) and private lands. The hazard tree removal and fire salvage will occur near the Roaring Lion, Sawtooth, and Ward Mountain Trailheads, which remain closed to the public. The purpose of the project is to mitigate snag tree hazards to the public near trailheads and parking areas, reduce long-term hazardous fuels in the wildland urban interface, and provide raw materials for the wood products industry.
All trees will be removed using ground-based logging methods (tractor/skidders) during winter conditions. No temporary roads will be built for the project.
The Bitterroot National Forest received 89 comments from the public regarding the salvage project. 87 people were in favor of the proposal. The project is scheduled to take place this winter.
For more information contact the Darby/Sula Ranger District at (406) 821-3913.