Timber sale proposed near Stryker

A proposed timber sale on the Stillwater State Forest about 4 miles northeast of Stryker would harvest up to 6 million board feet of lumber from state trust land.

The South Fitzpatrick Timber Sale Project area runs along Stillwater River Road and Mount Marston Road, and along Fitzsimmons Creek Road.

Up to 800 acres of the 6,800 acre project area would be impacted.

Temporary spur roads may be constructed to reach the harvest areas, and several bridge installations are possible to minimized the risk of erosion.

Most of the trees in the area are Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Regeneration harvest techniques such as clearcuts or seedtree with reserves is proposed to help spur regrowth of western larch or Douglas fir.

Cable and ground-based logging systems are planned.

The Common Schools Trust would be the beneficiary of funds raised by this project.

A public comment period will remain open until Aug. 18. E-mail comments to Zack Miller at zmiller@mt.gov, or call 406-881-2673.

A separate proposed timber sale on the Stillwater State Forest 25 miles north of Columbia Falls would harvest up to 6 million board feet of lumber from 2,600 acres of state trust land.

The Moran Cyclone Timber Sale Project runs along the North Fork Road.

The project area was historically comprised of Douglas fir and western larch, but has become mixed conifer. Some stands in the area are 150 years old and potentially old-growth.

Pre-commercial thinning, overstory removal and commercial or shelterwood thinning is proposed.

Helicopters and ground crews would perform the work. Temporary spur roads may be constructed to reach harvest areas.

Revenue from the project would benefit the School of Mines, State Normal School, Public Buildings and Montana State University trusts.

The public comment period for this project closed Aug. 2.