Services return at the Flathead National Forest

The Flathead National Forest is open again for business, and employees are working to restore public services following the 16-day partial federal government shutdown.

Effective immediately, Forest Service officials have given the green light to timber and stewardship projects, rental cabins are available and firewood permits are being sold at all Forest Service offices and vendors.

“I want to thank the public for their patience during the partial shutdown, and I want to assure everyone that we are doing everything we can to restore services as quickly as possible,” Flathead Forest supervisor Chip Weber said.

Campgrounds are open, but there are reduced services due to the time of year. Concessioner services would have ended for the season on Oct. 6 regardless of the shutdown. Roads to some campgrounds are seasonally gated, but visitors can still hike in and camp.

Fire managers will go ahead with planned prescribed burns if time and weather allows. Many of the prescribed fire projects are important because they are designed to improve forest health and reduce hazardous fuels.

Events that were canceled during the partial government shutdown are being rescheduled. The Forest Plan Revision team will set a new date for an open house to provide an opportunity for the public to meet with Forest Service specialists working on an assessment of the Flathead Forest. A collaboration meeting that was canceled will also be rescheduled.

For more information, visit online at www.fs.usda.gov/flathead.