Kalispell, MT, November 1, 2023 — Chris Dowling, Swan Lake District Ranger, invites the public to provide input on the proposed Rumbling Owl Fuels Reduction Project. The project proposes to make progress towards decreasing the risk/severity of future wildland fires and to improve fire suppression effectiveness, firefighter/public safety in the wildland-urban interface, and forest health conditions in which they are better prepared for, able to respond to, and aid in recovery from severe wildfire, post-fire effects, and other disturbances.The Flathead National Forest is requesting approval from the Secretary to use the Emergency Action Determination authority for the Rumbling Owl Fuels Reduction project. The project lies within the High Risk Fireshed identified as Condon, Montana [278]. The reason for requesting this emergency authority is to mitigate the harm to life and property adjacent to National Forest System land; remove hazardous fuels; and protect and restore water resources and infrastructure.The Flathead National Forest, Swan Lake Ranger District, will be hosting a public meeting/field trip at the Swan Valley Community Hall, 6803 MT-83, Condon, MT 59826 about the Rumbling Owl Project on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 pm MST. The first portion of the meeting will be a discussion of the project at the community hall, followed by a field trip to the project area. The purpose is to engage in information sharing with the public on project activities and to answer questions.“We are excited to receive public participation in the project proposal. Condon is a wildland-urban interface community surrounded by federal lands at high risk of wildfire. Conducting work to manage fuels and forest health on National Forest Lands is very important to the protection of life and property.” Chris Dowling.To provide electronic comments and to learn more about the Project, the Project’s location, purpose, and need, and proposed actions, please visit the project website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64924. The “Get Connected” menu on the right side of the page provides an option to comment as well as an option to subscribe to email updates. Comments should include your name, address, telephone number and (if applicable) the name of the organization you represent. Please see the contact information on the following page if you wish to submit your comments in writing.
If you wish to mail written comments, please address them to:
Swan Lake Ranger DistrictAttn: Chris Dowling – Rumbling Owl Project200 Bigfork Ranger Station Road,Kalispell, MT 59911.
Comments may also be hand delivered weekdays 8:00 am -4:30 pm at the Swan Lake District office.
