Forest officials to discuss logging burned out areas
Copyright 2000 Associated Press
December 11, 2000
TOWNSEND - Helena National Forest officials will hold a conference on Thursday to discuss the salvage logging of dead and dying trees burned in the Maudlow-Toston fire.
Representatives from the Townsend Ranger District are compiling an environmental impact statement to decide if the timber should be salvaged or left in place.
The Forest Service is considering removing burned trees from areas with road access and may consider building temporary roads to improve access.
Trees may also be removed in roadless areas, as long as the trees have been inventoried, officials said. Officials said timber may be removed by tractor, skyline cable and helicopter systems.
The Forest Service will only consider proposals if they can be implemented in the next five years. Long-term decisions fall under the forestwide Travel Management Plan.
Other items that may be considered include various measures to prevent erosion, planting trees and other plants, building fence to protect burned areas from cattle or wildlife grazing and temporarily closing some roads.
The conference is scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. at the library community room in Townsend.