MISSOULA – The Lolo National Forest has approved harvest of approximately 2,650 acres of the Sheep Gap Fire that burned over 25,000 acres last summer near Plains.
Acting Forest Supervisor Sara Mayben reports her decision allows salvage of approximately 22 million board feet of burned timber, removal of hazard trees along 91 miles of forest roads, and planting of seedlings on 5000 acres where natural regeneration is not expected to occur.
The Forest expects to advertise two timber sales to implement the Sheep Gap Fire Salvage project in August. The timber sale receipts will in part fund tree planting and road work necessary to stabilize the burned area.
The US Forest Service reports habitat for the threatened Canada lynx was avoided and streams were buffered to ensure protections of water quality and habitat for fish.
More information on the project can be obtained by calling the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District at (406) 826-3821 or by clicking here.
