Category Archives: News

All fire restrictions rescinded (including Flathead County finally)

Fire Information and Status, News,

Here’s the official press release on the lifting of fire restrictions for this corner of Montana. Note that Flathead County finally got with the program yesterday . . .

Date: September 8, 2015
Contact: Lisa Osborn  , 406-295-7558
Contact: Jeff Stevenson , 406-283-7795

Northern Rockies Coordination Group Kalispell Area Interagency News Release

Libby,MT.—All Fire Restrictions will be rescinded across North West Montana.Jurisdictions include:

  • Flathead National Forest
  • Kootenai National Forest
  • Bob Marshall Wilderness Lands within the Flathead National Forest
  • Glacier National Park
  • U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service
  • MT-DNRC Northwestern Land Office
  • Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Region 1
  • Counties:Flathead, Lake (outside of Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe), Lincoln, and Sanders

On most of the jurisdiction listed above all fire restrictions have been rescinded effective immediately. The Flathead County Commissioners will meet on Thursday to decide whether to rescind restrictions in Flathead County. [they did – editor]

Please remember that even though fire restrictions have been rescinded fire season is still active. There are many fires burning in the area so you may still see smoke and flames within fire areas. There are many fire area closures please call your local Forest Service, DNRC or county fire department office for more information. Remember that you must stay out of closure areas until the closure is lifted by the land management agency.

At this time no open burning is allowed.

As hunting season begins, land managers want to remind hunters to practice wildfire safety while enjoying the outdoors. The Kalispell area fire restrictions group isurging caution for those participating in hunting and other outdoor activities to avoid sparking a fire. Just one small spark/ember from an unattended warming fire, muzzle of a gun or a hot exhaust pipe on a vehicle can ignite the dry grass.Please refrain from building campfires/warming fires during windy or dry conditio.

With that in mind, here are a few suggestions to avoid sparking a wildfire:

  • Keep water nearby when welding on stands.
  • When shooting close to the ground, be sure there is no dry grass or tinder in front of your muzzle. Though rare, it’s not impossible for a shot to ignite a fire.
  • Use properly maintained spark arresters on all power equipment.
  • Never leave a campfire or warming fire unattended, even for a few minutes. Be sure to completely extinguish campfires/warming fires when ready to go.
  • Keep a bucket, a shovel and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle and at your camp.
  • Be aware of area fire restrictions.
  • Be mindful of where you drive or park and stay on designated trails. Avoid parking on dry brush or grass, since your exhaust system can ignite the vegetation.

Please keep wildfire safety in mind and have a safe and memorable hunting experience.

Montana orders sage grouse conservation plan

Environmental Issues, News, ,
Sage Grouse
Sage Grouse

Montana enacts a sage grouse conservation plan without waiting for the feds . . .

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has ordered state agencies to enact a program to conserve greater sage grouse populations by the start of next year as federal officials consider whether more sweeping protections are needed.

The order issued Tuesday follows on a 2014 grouse conservation plan that places some restrictions on oil and gas drilling and other activities blamed for driving down sage grouse numbers.

Critics of the state plan say it has too many loopholes allowing companies to get around the restrictions.

Read more . . .

Fire restrictions lifted in almost all areas of Northwest Montana

Fire Information and Status, News, , , ,

Pretty much all fire restrictions (Stage I and Stage II) have been rescinded in this corner of Montana except for Flathead County proper. Chances are, the Flathead County Commissioners will get around to lifting restrictions for the county on Thursday.

There is no open burning, however. That will have to wait until October, if not later.

See also: Most fire restrictions removed (Daily Inter Lake – paywall)

Badger Two-Medicine hearing draws overwhelming support for preservation

Environmental Issues, News, , ,
Two Medicine Lake
Two Medicine Lake – Flikr User Phil’s Pixels

There was a big turnout to oppose drilling in the Badger-Two Medicine region at the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation hearing in Choteau. Among many other groups and organizations, the NFPA had several representatives there . . .

A Sept. 2 meeting held by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in Choteau featured overwhelming support for the withdrawal of leases on the Badger-Two Medicine, an area with cultural and ecological linkages to the Blackfeet Nation and Glacier National Park.

In addition to the public testimony, letters of support for lease cancellation by Gov. Steve Bullock, the Glacier County Commissioners and seven former Glacier Park superintendents were submitted.

The meeting was the latest step by the Blackfeet tribe and a coalition of conservation organizations to interdict an exploratory oil well proposed by Louisiana-based Solenex LLC, which acquired the energy lease in 1982. The efforts to drill have long been delayed by legal challenges, and Solenex has filed a lawsuit arguing the delays have been unreasonable.

Read more . . .

Northeast Kootenai Complex – Marston Fire Update – September 8, 2015

Fire Information and Status, News,
Marston Fire photo by Stonehenge Air Museum, Aug 28, 2015
Marston Fire photo by Stonehenge Air Museum, Aug 28, 2015

 

Here’s this morning’s update on the Marston Fire, the only remaining wildfire of note in the Northeast Kootenai Complex. Activity is winding down. The cool, wet weather has really had an impact on fire behavior . . .

Murphy Lake, MT – The Northeast Kootenai Complex – The Marston Fire activity has decreased with the recent rains and increased relative humidity. The fire continues to be monitored, although suppression repair is now being implemented. Handline constructed by firefighters is being repaired to improve erosion within the fire perimeter. The eastern side of the fire is extremely difficult due to terrain and poor access which drastically limits the ability to use direct fire suppression tactics because of the danger to firefighting resources. The large fuel moistures are still low. The fire behavior continues to be minimal, only smoldering has been observed. Incident Commander Gabe Holguin would like to thank the firefighters for their hard work and positive attitude. “These firefighters hit the ground ready take on whatever the Marston Fire handed them and they rose to the occasion,” stated IC Holguin, “handling steep terrain, and difficult access and a changing strategy in stride.”

The Marston Fire is being supported by, 1- Type 1 Crews, 2- Type 2 Crews and miscellaneous personnel for a total of 120 fire personnel and support on the fire.

The weather forecast calls for a chance of rain today and then some drying developing on Wednesday and continuing later into the week.

A new Fire Area Closure Order has replaced Marston Fire Area Closure Order # D03-067-S-15, reducing the area restricted for public use. The Closure Order in effect now allows public access Murphy Lake and Campground. All other lands, roads and trails previously closed, remain closed for public safety. Please see NE Kootenai Complex on InciWeb at: www.inciweb.nwcg.gov for a full list of trails and roads affected by this closure.

Thompson-Divide Complex Daily Fact Sheet Sept. 7, 8:00 AM

Fire Information and Status, News, , , , , , ,
Thompson-Divide Complex, Sep 6, 2015 - Jonathan Moore
The snow layer dipped close to Marias Pass, MT, at elevations around 6,000 ft. north of the Thompson-Divide Complex’s Granite Fire Sept. 6, 2015. (photo Jonathan Moor)

 

Here’s the morning update for the Thompson-Divide Complex fires, including the Granite, Sheep and Thompson fires. Things are really winding down. This is the last regular update . . .

This is the Final Fact Sheet for the Thompson-Divide Complex from Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team Leach. Link to http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4468/

Fire Complex Completed: 72% Injuries: 1 Structures Lost: None

Resources – Total Personnel: 87 Engines: 2

Cause of Fires: All three fires have been determined to be lightning caused.

The Thompson-Divide Complex consists of the Sheep and Granite Fires in the Flathead National Forest and the Thompson Fire in Glacier National Park.

All travel restrictions on U.S. Highway 2 related to the fires have been lifted. Motorists are cautioned to still drive carefully because fire traffic are still using this route for rehabilitation efforts.

Stage I Fire Restrictions are in effect for Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest, except wilderness areas. Stage I Restrictions allow for campfires only in designated fire rings. All fire restrictions have been dropped in the Flathead National Forest Wilderness areas.

Closures are in effect for some trails and areas in the vicinity of the fires. Cutbank Pass and Nyack area trails remain closed. For more information on Glacier NP closures, see http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikingthetrails.htm or call (406) 888-7800. An area closure around the Sheep and Granite fires on the Flathead National Forest is in effect. Call Hungry Horse Ranger District (406) 387-3800 or go to http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/4468/28364/ for details.

The Thompson-Divide Complex received more than an inch of rain in some areas over the past two days and some snow at elevations above 6,000 ft. Today temperatures will be 50-60. There is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Weather is predicted to return to average temperatures and begin drying mid-week. Smoke from interior hot spots and burning logs may be seen during the week as fuels dry.

Crews will complete hand rehabilitation and remove protective wrap from cabins today. Fires will be monitored for any activity near the perimeters of the Sheep and Granite Fires. Management of the Thompson-Divide Complex is transferring from the Northern Rockies Type II IMT to a local Type 4 team on Monday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. The Type 4 team will be located at the Hungry Horse Ranger Station and will continue to monitor all three fires for any fire activity and complete needed rehabilitation.

Sheep Fire, Flathead National Forest

Approximate Size: 2,171 acres

Granite Fire, Flathead National Forest

Approximate Size: 913 acres

Thompson Fire, Glacier National Park

Approximate Size: 18,847 acres

The Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team Leach thanks the community, our partners and cooperators for all their support and assistance during this incident.

Alberta to formally protect 250,000 acres north of Waterton-Glacier Park

Environmental Issues, News, ,
Castle Wilderness, Alberta, Canada
Castle Wilderness, Alberta, Canada

 

Well, this is good news. Alberta is implementing protections for the entire Castle Watershed, just north of Waterton Park . . .

The Alberta government announced Sept. 4 that 250,000 acres just north of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park will be protected from logging and development.

The area, which encompasses the entire Castle Watershed, is part of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, which spans northwestern Montana, southeastern British Columbia, and southwestern Alberta.

Efforts to protect the area date back decades, and on Friday the Canadian government announced the expansion of the existing Castle Wildand and creation of a new provincial park on the Alberta front range. Supporters said the designation will preserve the area’s ecological integrity and offer increased protection for wildlife populations, including trans-boundary grizzly bears, wolverines and cutthroat trout.

Read more . . .

Flathead National Forest eases fire restrictions to Stage I

Fire Information and Status, News,

Fire restrictions ease a bit to Stage I in the Flathead National Forest starting today. Other federal and state lands will likely follow suit. Commissioner gridlock will probably keep Flathead County at Stage II restrictions over the long weekend.

Here’s the meat of the Flathead Forest press release announcing the changes . . .

Weather conditions have been a contributing factor for the Flathead National Forest to move the current fire restrictions to Stage I, which become effective at 0001 a.m. Mountain daylight time on Saturday, September 5, 2015.  Under Stage I, stove fires, campfires and charcoal fires are allowed ONLY at developed recreation sites (See the list below or contact your local agency for a list of sites), fires within rock fire rings are not authorized.  Smoking is allowed only within an enclosed vehicle or building; a developed recreation site; or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of flammable materials.   There will be no fire restrictions within the Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness areas within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

The restrictions may continue into the hunting season until the area receives enough moisture to ensure that wildfire starts will be at a minimum. Hunters need to check for restrictions in the area they plan to be, and adhere to those restrictions accordingly.

Fire Danger is currently at level High.  When the fire danger is “high”, fires can start easily from most causes and small fuels (such as grasses and needles) will ignite readily.  Unattended campfires and brush fires are likely to escape.  Fires will spread easily, with some areas of high-intensity burning on slopes or concentrated fuels;  so always crush smokes dead out; never leave a campfire unattended; ensure that your vehicle has a properly installed spark arrester that is operational; stop and park only in areas clear of vegetation;

For further information contact the Flathead National Forest at (406) 758-5200 or visit the Flathead National Forest web page, www.fs.usda.gov/flathead and http://firerestrictions.us.

Continue reading . . .

Also read: Flathead County Stays at Stage 2 Fire Restrictions for Long Weekend (Flathead Beacon)

Cooler, wetter and a lot less smoke; fires settle down

Fire Information and Status, News, , , ,

The cool, wet weather has really knocked things down. South of Glacier Park, the Essex evacuation order is cancelled and traffic on U.S. Highway 2 through the area is back to normal. Locally, the forest closure in the North Fork was lifted, as well as most of the closures in the Kootenai Forest. Trail Creek Road is open all the way through. Quite a few fire crews are demobilizing.

Here’s an overview of conditions throughout the region . . .

Cool, rainy conditions in the Fortine area were favorable enough on the Marston Fire that the fire management team and Flathead and Kootenai national forests have lifted most of the land closures in the Whitefish Range.

That team is managing several fires, including the one burning on and around Marston Mountain that has covered 7,000 acres.

Spokesman Tom Rhodes said the Flathead National Forest has rescinded all of its closures in the Glacier View Ranger District and most of the Kootenai-managed Ten Lakes area has reopened with the exception of Sinclair Creek Trail.

Read more (paywall) . . .

Also read: Western Montana forests and roads reopen, fire growth stalls (Missoulian)

Thompson-Divide Complex morning update – Sep 4, 8:00 am

Fire Information and Status, News, , , , , , ,
Thompson-Divide Complex demobilization
Receiving & Distribution Mngr. Rick Sendra and Patrick Gomez roll hoses as Keesha Williams unbunches hose from the Thompson Fire, Sept. 2. Gomez is a Natural Resources Specialist and Williams is a Welder from Trapper Creek Job Corps.

 

Here’s the morning update for the Thompson-Divide Complex fires, including the Granite, Sheep and Thompson fires.

The recent, cool, damp weather is really taking effect. The Sheep Fire, which triggered an evacuation order for Essex a few days ago has laid down considerably. The Essex evacuation order is now lifted and travel on U.S. Route 2 through the area is back to normal, no longer controlled with pilot cars.

Crews are demobilizing. Fire management is being turned over to Glacier Park and the Flathead National Forest.

Fire Information: (406) 387-4854/ (406) 314-1669, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Fire Complex Completed: 38%

Resources – Total Personnel: 213 Injuries: 1 Structures Lost: None

20-Person Hand Crews: 2 Type-1 and 1 Type-2 Air Support: Helicopters (2 Type-1 & 2 Type-3), Engines: 4

Cause of Fires: All three fires have been determined to be lightning caused.

The Thompson-Divide Complex consists of the Sheep and Granite Fires in the Flathead National Forest and the Thompson Fire in Glacier National Park. The Sheep Fire is the incident priority due to its proximity to US Hwy. 2, BNSF railway and the community of Essex. Crews and equipment will continue to demobilize today. Today there will be rehabilitation efforts on all three fires. The camp crew has rolled up over 9 miles of hose line so far from the three fires.

The evacuation order for the Essex area will lift today at 8:00 am. For more information, call the Flathead County Office of Emergency Services at (406) 758-2111.

The pilot car escort will end today at 8:00 am, with unrestricted travel on U.S. Highway 2. Motorists are cautioned to drive carefully because of fire traffic along this route. For current road status, call 511 or visit http://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/alerts.shtml.

Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect for the area. Visit http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair/ for air quality info.

Closures are in effect for some trails and areas in the vicinity of the fires. As of Sept 1 all of the trails in the Two Medicine and Cutbank Valley are open, including the Dawson-Pitamakan Loop. The Cutbank Pass and Nyack area trails remain closed for visitor safety. For more information on Glacier NP closures, please see http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikingthetrails.htm or call 405-888-7800. An area closure around the Sheep and Granite fires on the Flathead National Forest is in effect. Call Hungry Horse Ranger District (406) 387-3800 or go to http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/4468/28364/ for details.

There is a 60% chance of showers this Friday afternoon with temperatures around 51-56. The humidity is expected to be 55-60. Winds will be 5-10 mph with 15 mph gusts. Continued minimal fire activity through the weekend is expected due to wet, cool weather and increased fuel moisture.

Sheep Fire, Flathead National Forest

Approximate Size: 2,171 acres Structures Lost: None

Fire Update: The Sheep Fire is on the Flathead National Forest and burning in very steep terrain with limited access. The fire is about 1 mile south of Essex and about 1/8 mile from the train tracks between Tank Creek and McDonald Creek. The fire showed little activity again yesterday. Structural protection measures have been removed. Crews will continue to monitor and haul out equipment. The team will begin to rehabilitate fire lines and other disturbed areas around the Sheep Fire.

Granite Fire, Flathead National Forest

Approximate Size: 913 acres

Fire Update: The Granite Fire is located west of Marias Pass and south of U.S. Hwy. 2. The fire started in the Great Bear Wilderness and has moved north out of the Wilderness. There has been little fire activity the past few days. One engine and crew are using existing roads to monitor the fire’s activity. Excess equipment is being hauled out.

Thompson Fire, Glacier National Park

Approximate Size: 18,847 acres Structures Lost: None

Fire Update: The Thompson Fire is located in remote southern backcountry of Glacier National Park about 15 miles east of the West Glacier entrance in the Thompson and Nyack drainages west of the Continental Divide. Aircraft will continue to monitor the fire.

Most of Glacier National Park is unaffected by this wildfire complex and is available for recreational use. The Thompson Fire has not impacted park roads. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is open.