The Seeley Lake Ranger District has started burning the piles. However because they are green and wet, Acting District Ranger Quinn Carver expects they will finish burning them this fall.
The contractor is still working on the boat ramp at Big Larch. The District hopes it will be open around Memorial Day.
Last winter brought down more trees. Acting Ranger Quinn Carver hopes by opening the campground for firewood collection May 3-12, a lot of large fuel on the ground will be removed.
SEELEY LAKE – With around 20 projects scheduled across the Seeley Lake Ranger District this summer, Acting District Ranger Quinn Carver said he understands everyone wants their forest back after three years of exclusion for fires, timber sales and roadwork. While some of the projects will impact access, the District is working hard to inform the public so they can plan ahead for the disruptions.
Big Larch Campground will open for firewood cutting May 3-12. District sawyers will put dead tress on the ground. The public will be allowed to collect anything on the ground with a valid firewood permit. The District asks the public not to block any existing trails or roads with slash.
The District will also be holding a workday in Big Larch Campground May 15 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to prepare the campground for the opening Memorial Day weekend. Community volunteers are encouraged and welcome. Activities for the work day include moving brush, raking and prepping campsites and cleaning out fire rings.
Recreation specialist Matt Walter asks volunteers to bring plenty of water, wear sturdy boots, and bring leather gloves and a hard hat. The District will have some hard hats available for use if needed.
"Big Larch is not going to be perfect but the key is the campground will be open," said Carver. "We have been burning piles as we can, but they are green and it is wet. There will be piles out there, but they will be burned in the fall."
Volunteers will need to sign a volunteer agreement for the May 15 workday. If interested in volunteering, call Matt Walter at 677-3924 or email mwwalter@fs.fed.us.
Big Larch Campground will open on schedule May 24 for Memorial Day weekend. All campsites will be available and services will be offered including trash, water and restrooms. The rest of the campgrounds on the District will also open May 24 at 9 a.m.
Carver said the boat ramp contractor is still working to complete it. They are hoping that it will be done when the campground opens but it is possible the boat ramp area will be roped off until the work is finished.
There will be a map and calendar available soon with all the projects, locations and estimated dates. Stay posted through the Pathfinder, Lolo National Forest Facebook page and by calling the District at 677-2233.
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