Prescribed burns planned on Stillwater Forest
A sign announces entry into the Stillwater State Forest along U.S. Highway 93 west nearly Olney. The Stillwater State Forest main block of forestland includes about 106,500 acres. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot)
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation plans to conduct prescribed fire operations on the Stillwater State Forest near Olney.
Prescribed fire is used by DNRC to reduce slash generated from management activities and prepare a site for regeneration. Low to moderate intensity fire can return nutrients to the soil, release seeds on newly exposed mineral soil, and reduce the presence of competing vegetation to better allow new seedlings to establish and thrive.
DNRC managers will closely monitor fuel moisture, temperature, wind, and weather conditions to determine when prescribed burning can be carried out safely and effectively.
Two areas are set for prescribed burns. The King Hemlock area is about 102 acres and located on the north end of Whitefish Lake. Smoke will be visible from the head of Whitefish Lake. The Mystery Fish area is 54 acres located near Stryker Ridge. Smoke may be visible east of the U.S. Highway 93 corridor from Olney north to Point of Rocks.
The DNRC Trust Land Management Division manages Montana’s forested state trust lands to generate long-term sustainable revenue to benefit educational institutions, while promoting healthy, resilient, and diverse forests for future generations.
For more information on the Stillwater State Forest call 881-2371 or contact the Unit Manager at dring@mt.gov.