Major landowners close off access

Large landholders in northwest Montana, including Stimson Lumber Co., are closing off access in the wake of drought, hot temperatures and increased wildfire risk.

Officials with Stimson announced the closure of all inland region timberlands to recreation effective July 30. The Oregon-based company holds vast stretches of land in northern Idaho, western Montana and eastern Washington.

“Stimson will regularly evaluate the situation but anticipates the closure will last until wetting rains reduce the hazard later in the season,” reads a statement issued by company officials.

Other area landholders quickly followed suit. On July 30, Green Diamond Resource Co., SPP Montana — otherwise known as Southern Pine Plantations — Flathead Ridge Ranch, MKH Montana, and F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber announced closures beginning Aug. 2. The restrictions cover firewood cutting, nonmotorized use and walk-in use, according to officials with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

SPP Montana, Flathead Ridge Ranch and MKH Montana own much of the former Weyerhaeuser land in the region.

“These private landowners appreciate the public’s cooperation in respecting these closures in an effort to help protect these forestlands from the risk of wildfire,” said FWP officials in a statement.