Forest Service issues environmental assessments for Flower Creek project

The Western News

Environmental assessments recently were completed on the Kootenai National Forest for the Flower Creek project, according to a news release. Forest Supervisor Christopher Savage signed it Aug. 14.

The projects area is located in the lower third of Flower Creek watershed basin and encompasses 33 percent of the watershed near the Libby water supply. The area has been experiencing tree mortality from root disease and mountain pine beetle for several years. The project aims to increase the forest’s resilience to insects and disease, reduce accumulated fuels and maintain or improve water quality and native aquatic species.

The project will include: intermediate and regeneration harvest on 823 acres and 984 acres of slash treatment; planting on 544 acres; 0.83 miles of temporary road construction; .88 miles of road decommissioning; 12 road/stream crossing upgrades or improvements; and increasing grizzly bear core acres by 451 acres.

One timber sale, planned for advertisement this summer, will result from the project. Harvesting is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, with slash disposal and reforestation activities to be completed later.

To view these projects and documentation visit www.fs.usda.gov/projects/kootenai/landmanagement/projects.