Moccasin Granite Project Proposed by Forest Service Near Glacier National Park for Logging
The Hungry Horse Ranger District has proposed the Moccasin Granite Project, which aims to log a 67,536-acre area near Glacier National Park to mitigate wildfire risks and enhance forest health. The plan, which includes constructing new temporary roads, has raised concerns about its impact on grizzly bear habitats, potential habitat loss, and increased wildfire risks, while also facing criticism for its reliance on flawed assumptions about fuel treatment effectiveness. Public comments on the proposal are due by January 15.
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The Hungry Horse Ranger District in Montana has proposed the Moccasin Granite Project to log a 67,536-acre area along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River to reduce wildfire threats and promote forest health. The project will affect roadless lands recommended for the Great Bear Wilderness and includes the construction of 7.6 miles of new temporary roads, which pose risks to grizzly bear habitat and may increase human access that contributes to wildfires.
Despite acknowledging that 70% of the area falls within a stand-replacing fire regime, the Forest Service's approach has been criticized for its reliance on flawed assumptions regarding fuel treatments and their effectiveness. Concerns include habitat loss, sedimentation, decreased carbon storage, and the financial burden on taxpayers.
The proposal also utilizes emergency authorities to limit public scrutiny. The deadline to submit concerns is January 15.
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