Author: Bill Walker

It’s that time again! Agency input for Winter 2023 Interlocal due Jan 24

Bob Dunkley explains Park plans for the Polebridge Ranger Station, post Red Bench Fire, at the 1989 Interlocal at Sondreson Hall.
Bob Dunkley explains Park plans for the Polebridge Ranger Station, post Red Bench Fire, at the 1989 Interlocal at Sondreson Hall.

Hi, folks.

The Winter 2023 Interlocal Agreement Meeting is hosted by the U.S. Forest Service at 10:00am, on Wednesday, February 8 at the Glacier Park Community Building in the park’s headquarters complex near the West Glacier entrance.

For those of you who are new to this, Interlocal meetings are held twice each year, winter and summer. These semi-annual get-togethers are intended to encourage open discussion between North Fork landowners and neighbors, and local, state and federal agencies. In other words, it’s a big deal if you have an interest in the North Fork.

As a convenience (it’s not required), I’m serving as a central point of contact for issues that North Fork organizations and individuals would like to see addressed by the various government agencies represented at the meeting. If you’ll send me your issues by noon on Tuesday, January 24, I’ll see to it that they get passed on to the various organizations in enough time for them to prepare their presentations. Please do not respond via Facebook or other social media. Use my email address, wkwalker@nvdi.com.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

Bill Walker

Update on West Coal Timber Sale

Some of you have no doubt noticed log trucks shuttling back and forth to the timber sale in the Coal Creek State Forest. Here’s some news from Dave Ring, Stillwater Unit Manager for Montana DNRC . . .

I have attached a map you can share on the progress on the West Coal Timber Sale. The Purchaser’s intention is to complete the sale this winter. However, the weather will have the final say on that…

Flathead National Forest announces Tami MacKenzie as Deputy Forest Supervisor

From the official press release . . .

Kalispell, MT – December 16, 2022 – The Flathead National Forest is excited to announce the selection of Tami MacKenzie as Deputy Forest Supervisor.

Tami started her career on the Flathead National Forest as a wildland firefighter in 1998 while attending the University of Montana. She worked in wildland fire until 2006 when she accepted a position in environmental planning where she held various positions between the Flathead National Forest and the Regional Office for the next 14 years. In 2020, she became the Forest Public Affairs Officer and member of the Forest Leadership Team.

Continue reading Flathead National Forest announces Tami MacKenzie as Deputy Forest Supervisor

Glacier National Park Announces Plans for 2023 Reservations

Camas Road in Glacier NP as seen from Glacier View Mtn, April 16, 2017 - W. K. Walker
Camas Road in Glacier NP as seen from Glacier View Mtn, April 16, 2017 – W. K. Walker

Short version: For the 2023 season, all Glacier Park entrances will require a “vehicle reservation” between 6:00am and 3:00pm; reservations are good for three days, except at Polebridge, which remains a one-day ticket.

Here’s the text of the official press release with all the gory details . . .

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [December 16, 2022] – Visitors to Glacier National Park in 2023 can expect to use a vehicle reservation system to access Going-to-the-Sun Road via the West Entrance and the North Fork area of the park from May 26 through September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vehicle reservations will also be required for Two Medicine and Many Glacier valleys and the St. Mary Entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road on the east side of the park from July 1 through September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Continue reading Glacier National Park Announces Plans for 2023 Reservations

Doug Barnes dies in house fire; coroner asking for public’s assistance

Candlelight vigil for Doug Barnes, Dec 16, 2022 - Kenna Halsey
Candlelight vigil for Doug Barnes, Dec 16, 2022 – Kenna Halsey

As many of you already know, Doug Barnes and his dog Whiskey both perished in a fire at their North Fork cabin Saturday morning, December 10.

The Flathead County coroner is asking for public assistance in determining whether Doug had any family and, if so, if anyone has a name and address. Doug was from Lancaster, Ohio originally; local authorities there are looking into whether or not there are family members in the area.

If you do have information, please contact NFLA President Richard Hildner and he will pass it on to the coroner. Richard’s email and phone: richardhildner@icloud.com, 406-260-7725.

Glacier Park taps local stakeholders for feedback as it shapes vehicle-reservation system for third year

Camas Road in Glacier NP as seen from Glacier View Mtn, April 16, 2017 - W. K. Walker
Camas Road in Glacier NP as seen from Glacier View Mtn, April 16, 2017 – W. K. Walker

Looks like reservations will be needed for all Glacier Park entrances next year…

As Glacier National Park finalizes the details of an evolving vehicle-reservation system slated to go online for a third summer in 2023, the most urgent refrain from gateway business leaders is: When?

When will they know next year’s plan to manage vehicle access at entrances girding the million-acre park’s sprawling footprint, around which the economic picture is as diverse as ecologic? When can they begin sharing specifics of the adaptive system so that guests won’t be “blindsided” by changes to its configuration next summer? And when will they know whether two popular entrances that so far have remained unencumbered by the reservation requirement will be added to the list?…

Glacier Park Taps Local Stakeholders for Feedback as it Shapes Vehicle-Reservation System for Third Year

Winter Forest Service Special Use Permits proposed

It’s time for another round of Forest Service Special Use Permits. The official “scoping letter” is linked below. See the project web site for additional documentation, including maps.

None of the proposed Special Use Permits affect the North Fork directly, with the exception of a guided snowmobile tour that comes up from the west side of the Whitefish Divide and terminates at Red Meadow Campground.

Comments are due by November 29.

>> Flathead National Forest Winter Special Uses Scoping Letter (PDF)

 

Prescribed burns planned for Moose and Whale Creek drainages

Flathead National Forest prescribed burns, 2022
Flathead National Forest prescribed burns, 2022

The Flathead National Forest just published information on this fall’s prescribed burns. The only entry of local interest is this one (listed under “Hungry Horse District” for some reason)…

Red Whale Fuels Reduction— Approximately 750 acres will be targeted for prescribed burning this fall in Moose creek and Moran creek.  This project location is in the North Fork of the Flathead about 4 miles northwest of Polebridge.  Depending on weather this burn is planned for mid to late September to early October. The purpose of this project is to help restore a more historical fire regime to the ecosystem, improve wildlife habitat and reduce hazardous fuels to reduce wildfire risk and aid in potential future fire suppression efforts and improve wildlife habitat.

Of course, any prescribed burn is contingent on weather, fuel conditions, and air quality lining up just right.

The entire press release is available online here:
Fall prescribed burns planned in the Flathead National Forest