News – Page 33

Masks now required at all Sondreson Hall events

In line with the Governor’s “mask directive,” face coverings (masks) are now required at all Sondreson Hall events. See the NFLA Calendar page for the full list of pandemic-related guidelines and restrictions, but here’s the meat of the matter…

Face coverings are required within the hall for all individuals with the following exceptions:

- Children under the age of five. All children between the ages of two and four, however, are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering. Children under the age of two should not wear a face covering.
- Persons who have a medical condition precluding the safe wearing of a face covering.
- Other exceptions as defined in the Governor’s July 15, 2020 Mask Directive.

New Smokey Bear-Fire Danger sign at Camas intersection

Thanks to the Hungry Horse/Glacier View Fire Staff – Andy Huntsberger and Staff – for installing the new Smokey Bear/Fire Danger Sign on the North Fork Road at the Camas Creek Road Junction. We all appreciate the service our wildland fire protecting Agency, the Flathead National Forest, provides. (Note: the tethers on the sign will come off once the concrete cures.)

And thanks to FireSafe Flathead for promoting the idea. The timing is excellent. It won’t take much more hot and dry weather until we are seeing High Fire Danger.

A good reminder to always Be Careful with Fire!

New Smokey Bear-Fire Danger sign at Camas intersection

Fire danger moves to moderate on Flathead area public lands

From the official interagency press release…

July 14, 2020, Kalispell, MT – Flathead area fire managers moved the fire danger rating to moderate today as fuels continue to dry out this week into next.

The danger rating is elevated for the Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, the DNRC Swan Unit, Stillwater Unit, and Kalispell Unit, and other local state lands. As a whole, Flathead County is also at a moderate fire danger.

Moderate fire danger means that all fine dead fuels like dried grasses ignite readily, and fires start easily. Campfires are likely to escape, and no debris burning is permitted this time because the area has entered fire season. Fires spread rapidly. Moderate intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of fine fuels. Under moderate fire danger, fires may take more time or resources to suppress.

Residents and visitors alike need to be especially vigilant this fire season and firefighters appreciate the public taking extra care with prevention. Check trailer chains so that they are not dragging and throwing sparks into roadside grasses. Become familiar with the campfire regulations wherever you are camping this summer. Never leave a campfire unattended and always extinguish it before leaving.

For information on how to prepare for wildfire season, contact the Community Preparedness Specialist for the Kalispell Unit of the DNRC at 406-751-2270.

Calendar update: North Fork Compact annual meeting, Aug 10, 8pm

The annual meeting of the North Fork Compact will be held at Sondreson Hall on Monday, August 10 at 8:00pm.

Frozen Moose Project begins second round of public comment; online meeting July 16

The Flathead National Forest, Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District, has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) for the Frozen Moose Project.

Project documents, including the environmental assessment and maps, can be accessed at the project Web site under the “Analysis” tab: www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57310.

They will be hosting a virtual public meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2020, from 6:00-7:00 pm. The purpose of the public meeting is to share information with the public about the environmental assessment and to answer questions about the Frozen Moose Project. (See the “Frozen Moose Environmental Assessment Cover Letter” below for details on joining the meeting.)

More information about the project, including how to submit a comment, and connection information for the virtual meeting can be found on the project Website.

Questions or comments about the Frozen Moose Project should be submitted to comments-northern-flathead-hungry-horse-glacier-view@usda.gov.

Associated documents…

Press Release – “North Fork fuels reduction, timber, and restoration project seeks second round of public comment”

Frozen Moose Environmental Assessment Cover Letter

Status of Special Use Permits in the North Fork

North Fork Flathead River, May 16, 2018 - by William K. Walker — North Fork Flathead River, May 16, 2018 – by William K. Walker

Here’s an excerpt from a note Rob Davies, Hungry Horse/Glacier View District Ranger, sent around yesterday (July 2) concerning the issuance of special use permits in the North Fork. This is not quite officially final information, but it is unlikely to change in any meaningful way. The full email text is available here: https://www.gravel.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Special-Use-Permits-in-the-North-Fork-Email-July-2-2020.pdf

NW Adventures, ATV Guiding, I have decided to not issue a permit in the North Fork based on comments received during scoping. This company will still be permitted and operate on the West side of the Whitefish divide with one exception, they will be allowed to take clients to Red Meadow Lake and depart back to the West. They will not be allowed to travel beyond Red Meadow Lake and they will not be able to take clients to Red Meadow Lake on weekends or Holidays. Due to the COVID situation they are not expected to have as many clients as they were hoping for in their proposal.

Whitefish Shuttles. Van tours and livery service to several trail heads, short hikes and bike tour in the North Fork will be permitted. They expect much reduced numbers of clients and trips due to the COVID situation.

Cycling House, Bicycling tours cancelled due to COVID.

Adventure Cycling, Bicycle tours, cancelled due to COVID.

Spotted Dog Cycles: Bicycle tours cancelled due to COVID.

Two of the five permits that were proposed in The North Fork will be issued this year, and they are only valid for 1 season. The proponents would have to reapply if they wish to operate next year.

Wildland Fire Potential Outlook – issued July1, 2020

The Current Wildland Fire Potential Outlook has been posted, and it refines the forecast for our fire season in Northwest Montana. We did see benefit from the significant moisture received over the past two weeks, so our season will be delayed until later in July. That is good news. But August and September are still forecast to be Above Normal Fire Activity for Northwest Montana.

Here is the important stuff for the Northern Rockies:

“Normal fire potential is now anticipated to continue through most of July due to the recent passage of moist, Pacific troughs and beneficial precipitation in the latter half of June and forecast to continue in a weaker version by various CPC outlooks into the middle of the month. In late July and August, Above Normal significant wildland fire potential is anticipated to develop in all the Western PSAs 01-09 and expand eastward into central and southeastern Montana, possibly as far east as western North Dakota. One reason is the predicted monsoonal lightning pattern which could be robust under a strong ridge of high pressure during that time with above average potential lightning ignitions in dry fuel beds. Above Normal potential will continue for those same areas in September with the outlooks calling for warmer and drier than average conditions.”

August and September will be busy for us. Be prepared!

Here is the link for the entire report: https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/predictive/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf

North Fork Interlocal meeting, 1:00pm, July 8th at the hall!

The summer North Fork Interlocal Agreement meeting will be held, Wednesday, July 8 at Sondreson Hall. Start time is 1:00 p.m. This summer’s meeting is hosted by the North Fork Trails Association.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and related issues, we’re shooting for a “lite” version of the Interlocal this summer…

There will be no lunch prior to the meeting. Feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks.
At this time, the hall occupancy limit is 50 people. Attendance at the past few summer Interlocals has been in the 80-90 range. Agencies should send only the minimum necessary staff. If appropriate, we can also accept written reports to be read aloud at the meeting (email them to me). North Fork residents and organizations should also consider ways to trim attendance.
Please wear a mask! If needed, we will have some disposable masks available at the hall (suggested donation $1).

Also, don’t forget the annual Firewise Day meeting in the morning, starting at 9:30 a.m.

The Interlocal Agreement provides for face-to-face contact with representatives of agencies whose policies and actions affect the North Fork. Interlocal Agreement meetings are held in the winter (in town) and summer (at Sondreson Hall). This is always a very interesting meeting, with reports from a range of government agencies and local organizations and often some quite vigorous discussion.

Firewise Day, Wednesday, July 8, 9:30am, at the hall!

Don’t miss our Annual Firewise Day at Sondreson Community Hall on Wednesday July 8 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Agenda is attached. Coffee and light refreshments will be served by volunteers wearing facemasks and gloves.

Featured will be a powerful video about the Camp Fire that burned through Paradise California in 2018.

Other speakers will cover the updates to the Flathead County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the North Fork CWPP, Hazardous Fuels Grant opportunities, the upcoming fire season forecast, and an update on the Frozen Moose Fuels Projects.

Capacity of the Hall during COVID is set at 50 people. We respectfully request that you wear facemasks indoors. If you don’t have one, masks are available at the Hall for a suggested donation of a dollar.

There is no potluck following the Firewise meeting due to COVID, so feel free to bring your own lunch.

The Inter Local is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m.

See you there!!

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