STEVENSVILLE (AP)
The Bitterroot National Forest is seeking public comment on a proposed salvage and reforestation project in part of the area burned by the Gash Creek fire this summer. The project would harvest dead and dying trees totaling about 250 acres of the 8,500 acres burned by the fire, or about 3 percent of the total acres burned, said Stevensville District Ranger Dan Ritter. One quarter mile or less of temporary road construction is proposed and the logging could be done using skidders or helicopters. Two areas of road would be widened to create two one-acre helicopter landing areas. Harvesting would occur as soon as practical. The public has 30 days to comment after the notice is published in the Ravalli Republic newspaper, which was expected to happen today, forest officials said.
