On June 27, 2024, a federal court halted an illegal logging project on federal public lands in the Little Belt Mountains of Montana.
The Alliance for the Wild Rockies and Native Ecosystems Council filed their lawsuit to stop the Horsefly project in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest in April 2021. The project called for cutting and burning trees on 10,343 acres, which is more than 16 square miles. To enable the logging, the agency planned on bulldozing a stunning 40.7 miles of new logging roads in the Little Belt Mountains north of White Sulphur Springs, Montana.
The scope of the massive Horsefly landscape-altering proposal is alarming and because the project violated federal law, it had to be enjoined.
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The Forest Service used a number of euphemisms in a transparent attempt to disguise what used to be more honestly called logging. For instance, the agency called 3,278 acres of commercial logging ‘intermediate treatment,’ 1,049 acres of clearcutting ‘regeneration harvest,’ 409 acres of clearcutting and possible burning ‘meadow restoration,’ and 465 acres of non-commercial logging ‘rearrangement of fuels’. They’re ‘rearranging’ them alright: from forest ecosystems to stump fields.
This is an ecosystem, not a private tree farm, and so we have to maintain the habitat for sensitive wildlife species. One of those species is the northern goshawk, which has been declining in population, and which the forest plan lists as an old-growth forest management indicator species. Due to the importance of this species, the law requires 100% of goshawk nets to be monitored annually.
In 2018, the entire Forest was surveyed for goshawks and the Forest Service found an alarming 47% decline in active goshawk nests, which the agency failed to disclose to the public in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Forest Management Act. The agency also ignored its own Forest Plan requirement to issue an evaluation report if active nests decline by 10%.”
The Court’s ruling was very straightforward on the failure of the Forest Service to follow the law. As the Order reads: “The Court agrees with Alliance that the Forest Service’s failure to disclose and evaluate the decline in active goshawk nesting territories violated both NFMA and NEPA. . . . Federal Defendants all but concede that the Forest Service’s failure to disclose the decrease in active goshawk nesting territories to the public in the EA and failure to comply with the Forest Plan requirement to conduct an evaluation report if active nests decline by 10% amounts to a violation of NFMA.” Yet the Forest Service continues to log the last remaining mature and old growth forests and goshawks are in trouble.
The Court’s order remanded the project authorization to the agency, and enjoined the project pending compliance with federal law. We follow the law every day, and the Forest Service must also follow the law. When a government agency violates the law, it must be held accountable in court. It’s not easy to fight the federal government, which has far more resources than we do, but nonetheless we are committed to making the government follow its own laws to protect our native wildlife and public land ecosystems. Despite attacks by politicians, intimidation tactics, and misinformation campaigns, we won’t be stopped. We are determined to continue with this critical work.
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Please consider helping us continue to fight to protect old growth forests and make the Forest Service follow the law.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes joined six other tribes in defense of a new federal rule protecting their water rights in court.
The rule requires states to consider tribes’ fishing, hunting and gathering rights while crafting water regulations.
Twelve states sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over the rule, which was finalized earlier this year.
Montana is not part of the lawsuit. Those states argue the federal government oversteps its power under the Clean Water Act and would severely limit their ability to craft water standards.
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Seven tribes have filed a motion to intervene in the case. They say the rule is key to protecting “reserved rights,” which gives tribes the ability to hunt, fish and gather on lands they ceded to the federal government through treaties.
The tribes say the rule is within the EPA’s authority as it ensures treaties are adhered to.
Home › Active Wildland Fire ›Crews on Montana Creek Fire #312 continue to cut fire line and mop up in thick spruce timber
By 2024montanacreekon
Fire crews provide initial attack overnight to protect a structure.
TALKEETNA, Alaska-The Montana Creek Fire (#312) is located 16 miles south of Talkeetna and was reported on June 29th. Overnight, crews responded to a new grass fire near the origin. The fire remains 40% contained, with moderate fire activity primarily creeping and smoldering in timber. The fire is located in a critical Protection Area prompting multi-agency resource response. Ninety-six personnel are assigned to the incident including resources from BIA, BLM, State and USFS. Three crews, one fire use module, 1 engine, 2 water tenders, 3 Division Supervisors and one EMT.
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Fire crews continue to secure the perimeter and mop up will begin where conditions allow. Investigators determined this to be a human caused fire. With the upcoming 4th of July holiday, the public is reminded that discharging fireworks in Forested lands is illegal.
Due to the fire activity seen within the fire area residents along the Leroy Davie Road and Montana Creek Road corridors were moved to a SET (Alert Status). However, an evacuation order has not been issued at this time. There has been confirmation that one outbuilding has been lost to the fire.
The Parks Highway remains open. The public traveling on the Parks Highway may continue to be impacted by smoke and a large contingency of ground resources assisting in fire suppression efforts between mile markers 94-100. The public is encouraged to stay attentive and slow down near the fire area as crews continue suppression efforts throughout the day.
In addition to ground travel, there has been a temporary flight restriction put in place to provide clear air space to aviation assets assisting on the fire. For more information on the TFR, please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_5688.html
Aerial view of Montana Creek Fire #312 7/1/2024. Video: DOF Remote Pilot Kale Casey
‹ Deception Pup (#252) & Flasco (#259) full containment in sight
Cooler temperatures and light rains calm the McDonald Fire ›
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR – Division of Forestry (DOF), Alaska NPS
Tags: Alaska Division of Forestry, BLM Alaska Fire Service, Montana Creek Fire
Fourth of July in the Flathead means a host of patriotic events, including fireworks that dot the mountainous skyline and red, white and blue parade floats. Make a plan for Independence Day by checking out the following events happening in northwest Montana over the weekend. Read more about all of the can’t-miss events happening in the Flathead Valley this summer here.
Polson Fireworks Show
Riverside Park, Polson
July 3, Dusk
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Want to get into the July Fourth action a little early? Head down to Polson on Wednesday for a fun-filled night of fireworks over Flathead Lake. The city’s annual fireworks show is financed by donations from the community, and the Polson Chamber of Commerce is asking locals and visitors alike to contribute to the event. Learn more.
Kalispell Parade
Downtown Kalispell
July 4, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Flathead Marines are hosting the annual July Fourth parade through downtown Kalispell. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and travel from Center Street down Main Street, past the Flathead County Courthouse. Learn more.
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Old Fashioned Ice-Cream Social
Conrad Mansion, Kalispell
July 4, after the Kalispell parade
Visit Kalispell’s Conrad Mansion for a free, old-fashioned ice cream social after the July Fourth parade. There will be live music, food trucks and $5 self-guided tours of the historic mansion. The event will begin after the Kalispell Fourth of July Parade. Learn more.
Troy’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July
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Downtown Troy
July 4, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
For over a century, the small town of Troy has thrown a free, family-friendly July Fourth bash. This year’s schedule of events includes a “color run,” an old-fashioned breakfast at Roosevelt Park, a parade, live music, a car show and fireworks. Troy’s Roosevelt Park is set on the banks of the Kootenai River, providing a scenic backdrop for the wide-ranging community events. Bus service will be available starting after the parade with pickups at Morrison Elementary, Troy High School, Troy Activity Center and Roosevelt Park. Learn more.
Bigfork Parade
Downtown Bigfork
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July 4, 12 p.m.
Head to Bigfork for the town’s biggest party of the year. This year’s grand marshal is Gretchen Gates of Eva Gates Preserves, and the parade theme is “‘Preserving’ Bigfork Traditions” in honor of 75 years of Eva Gates. Judges will evaluate floats based on entertainment value, originality, craftsmanship and interpretation of the theme. There will also be a classic car category. Food trucks and live music by the Fetveit Brothers will begin in the downtown parking lot at 10 a.m. and will continue after the parade. Parking for the parade will be in the field at the intersection of Highway 35 and Highway 82. From the parking area only, free shuttle service will be available to downtown from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be no cars allowed in downtown Bigfork after 8 a.m. on the 4th. Learn more.
Polson Parade
Main Street, Polson
July 4, 12 p.m.
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Each year, creative parade floats pass through downtown Polson for the lakeside community’s Fourth of July Parade. The parade will begin at noon on Main Street. Learn more.
Fireworks on Whitefish Lake
City Beach, Whitefish
July 4, 10:30 p.m.
Gather at City Beach in Whitefish for an evening of food, fun and fireworks. The annual Whitefish fireworks display is launched from a floating barge 300 feet off of the shore of Whitefish Lake, and is set to the backdrop of the Whitefish Range and Big Mountain. Food vendors — including shaved ice, mini donuts, ice cream, corndogs, and barbecue — will set up shop in the early evening and stay open until the fireworks begin around 10:30 p.m. The city of Whitefish encourages attendees to walk or bike to the beach to help alleviate traffic congestion. There will be a free shuttle from the O’Shaughnessy Center to City Beach from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. No dogs, personal fireworks, alcohol or glass containers are allowed. Learn more.
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Fourth of July parade through downtown Bigfork. Beacon file photo
Lakeside Fireworks
Lakeside Marina, Lakeside
July 4, 11 p.m.
Watch the sparkles, booms and bangs of fireworks over Flathead Lake at the annual Lakeside fireworks show. The fireworks will begin at 11 p.m. at the Lakeside Harbor. The small community of Lakeside is asking locals and visitors to contribute to the annual tradition and help them meet their fundraising goal of $20,000. Learn more.
Glacier Range Riders vs. Great Falls Voyagers
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Glacier Bank Park, Kalispell
July 5 and 6, 7:05 p.m., July 7, 1:05 p.m.
Cheer for the home team as the Glacier Range Riders take on the Great Falls Voyagers over three games this weekend. Kalispell’s Pioneer League baseball team — which is currently playing its third season — is a favorite for families and grown ups alike, not to mention mascots Huck and Cliff. Learn more.
Symphony Night at Rebecca Farm
Rebecca Farm, Kalispell
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July 5 and 6, 7:30 p.m.
Join the Glacier Symphony this weekend for two unforgettable nights of music under the Montana sky. The Glacier Symphony will be playing popular patriotic tunes, including music by Leroy Anderson, Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Morton Gould, Cole Porter and Aaron Copland. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, or rent a picnic table. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased online. Learn more.
Shakey Graves with Vincent Neil Emerson and Archertown
Scout and Gather, Columbia Falls
July 6, 6 p.m.
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Indie folk singer Shakey Graves, best known for hit songs like “Tomorrow” and “Roll The Bones,” is coming to Columbia Falls for a performance at Scout and Gather. Shakey Graves will be joined by country singer Vincent Neil Emerson and Flathead Valley-based band Archertown. The concert is being presented by Outriders. General admission tickets are $45. Learn more.
The Travelin’ McCourys and Halladay Quist
Abayance Bay Marina, Rexford
July 6, 5 p.m
Nashville-based bluegrass band The Traveling’ McCourys is making trip to northwest Montana to perform at Abayance Bay Marina in Rexford. Set against the backdrop of Lake Koocanusa, the concert venue offers views of the Kootenai National Forest and the surrounding mountain ranges. Local musician Halladay Quist will open for the band. Learn more.
