ENNIS, Mont. – Public comment is being sought on a proposed sale of timber from a 2018 wildfire.
In 2018, the lightning-caused Monument fire in the Gravelly Mountains burned more than 6,600 acres. During suppression efforts, a fuel break was constructed that generated multiple log decks. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is proposing the sale and transport of merchantable logs from those decks.
The forest service said that during project implementation, all equipment use would occur on existing landings and the adjacent Johnny Gulch Road (Forest road #324). Logs would be de-limbed, cut to length and slash piled on existing landings for future prescribed burning. Landings would be monitored and treated for noxious weeds as necessary. Log haul would occur when roads are open as per the Motor Vehicle Use Map and the public would be notified when log haul is occurring. Temporary road closures may be implemented to provide for visitor safety.
The Forest Service is seeking comments related to this proposed project. Officials said comments are welcome anytime, however, they will be most helpful if they are submitted by June 3, 2019.
Comments may be sent electronically to comments-northern-beaverhead-deerlodge@fs.fed.us “Monument Fire Log Decks” typed in the subject line, or sent to the Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729. For more information regarding this proposal, contact Madison District Ranger Dale Olson in Ennis at (406) 682-4253.
