Flathead National Forest plans prescribed burns

18 hours 7 minutes ago by KAJ News Staff

KALISPELL - Flathead National Forest officials say that weather, wind and fuel conditions are favorable this week for fire managers to conduct some prescribed burns.

Smoke will be visible from various places in the Flathead Valley, and each project will follow a Prescribed Fire Burn Plan.

The prescribed fire projects are designed to reduce the potential for adverse effects, and minimize the potential for an escape as a wildland fire, according to a news release.

The project areas scheduled include the Tally Lake Ranger District, the Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger District, Swan Lake Ranger District, and Spotted Bear Ranger District.

Tally Lake Ranger District:

Good Creek - This ecosystem burn project targets 142 acres of mid to upper elevation shrub and conifer near Grouse Creek. Fire suppression has caused a change in species composition resulting in an encroachment of conifers into an open shrub field. Prescribed fire will reintroduce fire to overall improve wildlife habitat and reduce the conifer encroachment.

Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger District:

Paint Emery Central Prescribed Burns - The prescribed 1362 acre burns on the east side of Hungry Horse Reservoir and northwest of Great Northern Mountain are part of a multi-unit wildlife habitat enhancement project. The objective identified for these burns is to create a diverse forest landscape composed of mixed tree species and stand structure, including small openings and forested areas with a diversity of tree species, shrubs, and age groups. Increased diversity and reduced downed woody material will reduce the risk of severe wildland fire and its effects on resources in the area.

Firefighter Mountain Prescribed Burns - The objective of this 295 acre project on the east side Hungry Horse Reservoir on and adjacent to Firefighter Mountain is to change forest structure and density to portions of the treatment area by applying low to moderate intensity fire. The expected outcome will restore and enhance grass and shrub components, make the area more productive for ungulates and other foraging wildlife, and curb wildland fire spread by reducing fuel loadings and tree density in the forest area.

Excerpt from:
Flathead National Forest plans prescribed burns