Author: Bill Walker

Agenda posted for Flathead Forest’s Comprehensive River Management Plan informational sessions

Flathead River in Flathead National Forest
Flathead River in Flathead National Forest

We’re starting to see some real movement on the Comprehensive River Management Plan (not so affectionately known as the CRMP). The text of the official press release follows, but here are the highlights…

There are two informational meetings. The first is on Tuesday, January 21st, the second is on Wednesday, January 22nd. Both are being held from 6 to 8pm at the Flathead Valley Community College, Arts and Technology building, room 130 (AT-130). There is a listen-only virtual option for the presentation portions of the meeting.

From the official press release . . .

Continue reading Agenda posted for Flathead Forest’s Comprehensive River Management Plan informational sessions

Glacier Park seeks public input to improve visitor experience

Visitors on trail in Glacier National Park
Visitors on trail in Glacier National Park

OK, everyone, here’s your chance to weigh in on how Glacier Park plans to handle tourist season congestion, especially at the North Fork, Many Glacier and Two Medicine entrances and within the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor.

Continue reading Glacier Park seeks public input to improve visitor experience

Glacier National Park announces timed entry vehicle reservation pilot for 2025

The sun rises over Glacier National Park Headquarters building in West Glacier.

Here we go again. Short version: The 2025 Glacier Park vehicle reservation system is the same as it was this year, except that reservations will be for a specific entry “time block”as well as a date.

From the official press release… Continue reading Glacier National Park announces timed entry vehicle reservation pilot for 2025

Chronic wasting disease detected for first time in wild deer in Flathead Valley

Uh, oh… This is getting pretty close…

From the Montana FWP press release:

KALISPELL — Chronic wasting disease (CWD) was recently detected in a white-tailed deer in Kalispell. This is the first time CWD has been detected in a wild herd in Hunting District 170, which encompasses most of the Flathead Valley.

FWP received reports of a symptomatic buck at the Flathead County Landfill. Wildlife biologists euthanized the animal and submitted samples for testing. The first test indicated that the deer as positive for CWD and a second follow-up test has been submitted for confirmation, following testing protocol.

FWP is working with Flathead County and will survey the landfill for any other potentially symptomatic deer on the property. Continue reading Chronic wasting disease detected for first time in wild deer in Flathead Valley

Glacier Park geology presentation at Sondreson Hall

Before the October 13th NFLA membership meeting, we enjoyed a presentation on the geology of Glacier Park by Teagan Tomlin. Teagan is a very animated and entertaining speaker. Everyone had a good time learning about some of the unique geological characteristics of the park.

Here are a few photos from the event…

REMINDER: NFLA General Meeting & Food Bank Drive this Sunday, Oct 13 at 6pm!

Sondreson Hall, Fall Decorations, Oct 6, 2024 - W. K. Walker
Sondreson Hall, Fall Decorations, Oct 6, 2024 – W. K. Walker

The last NFLA general meeting of the year is this Sunday, October 13, at Sondreson Hall. Events start at 6:00pm with a presentation by Teagan Tomlin Executive Assistant, Office of the Superintendent. Topic: Geologic History of Glacier National Park — an overview of the forces and processes that built and shaped the landscape of the park. The membership meeting is at 7:00pm.

Bring a snack to share.

** We will also be collecting non-perishable items for the Veterans Food Pantry! **

Spectacular truck fire near Walker’s

Truck and trailer being consumed by fire on North Fork Road, September 6, 2024 - W. K. Walker
Truck and trailer being consumed by fire on North Fork Road, September 6, 2024 – W. K. Walker

Some excitement the afternoon of Friday, September 6: A brand new F-150 pickup belonging to the contractor working on the road project at the upper end of the North Fork Road caught fire. The vehicle was a total loss, along with the load of road cloth on the trailer it was pulling. Continue reading Spectacular truck fire near Walker’s

No prescribed burns planned for the North Fork this fall

According to a recent press release, there are no prescribed burns planned for the North Fork this fall — or in the entire Hungry Horse or Glacier View ranger districts, for that matter. The Spotted Bear, Tally Lake and Swan Lake districts have a few lined up, however. Click on the map for details.

Note that the map does not display “…both landing and hand piles that are not identified on the map which may also be burned when conditions become favorable.” I’m guessing this might include some of the slash and other debris piled at the Ford Schoolhouse site.