Reservoir timber project resurrected after lawsuit

The Flathead National Forest is seeking comments on a proposed timber sale and thinning project at the southwest end of the Hungry Horse Reservoir that was delayed following a 2010 lawsuit.

The Forest's proposed action for the Soldier Addition Project includes 1,189 acres of mechanical, skyline and helicopter logging with various silvicultural and regeneration methods, 822 acres of thinning and pruning, 1,333 acres of prescribed burning and 1.3 acres of fuels reduction work to protect the Stony Hill electronic site.

The overall goals of the project, according to the Forest, include maintaining or improving timber productivity and forest health; sustaining the role of fire in the ecosystem; restoring whitebark pine viability for wildlife habitat, watershed protection and a healthy ecosystem; and promoting recreation values and visitor safety.

The project area extends along the west side of the reservoir and the South Fork of the Flathead River from Battery Creek about 16 miles south to Bunker Creek, which drains into the South Fork near the Meadow Creek Campground.

Originally proposed in October 2008, the project underwent an environmental assessment. A finding of no significant impact was issued on May 5, 2010. A lawsuit challenging the project was filed on Oct. 6, 2010, in federal court in Missoula.