THE LOCAL NEWS OF THE MADISON VALLEY, RUBY VALLEY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

The Virginia Creek fire burned about 70 acres in August of 2018. (File photo)

2019 Wildfire Season: Prepare, Prevent, Protect

Missoula – The governors of Montana and ten other Western states have proclaimed May as Wildfire Awareness Month. Fire prevention agencies and organizations across the state invite all Montanans to participate. Spring is an ideal time to raise awareness about how we can all help improve our communities wildfire preparedness and learn what risk reduction steps we can take to prepare our families and properties for wildfire.

Proactive actions from a single individual, or entire neighborhood, contribute to a safer community when wildfires happen. Become a local champion by committing a couple of hours or an entire day to reducing your property’s wildfire risk; and contributing toward your community becoming more fire adapted.

Here are a few ways to prevent and prepare for wildfires:

• Clean out gutters, roofs and other areas where debris has settled

• Trim shrubs and trees so they are at least 3 feet from your home.

• Avoid burning on windy days and never leave a burn pile unattended

• Create an evacuation plan, with at least 2 routes, and practice each route with family members

• Keep the space around your home, known as the home ignition zone, clear of dense vegetation

• Take action in your community by organizing a wildfire preparedness event

Preparedness is a shared responsibility and we all have a role. Visit www.keepgreen.org to see what events are happening near you or to find out how to plan an event in your community.

 

USFS wants comments on Monument Fire log haul

Ennis – In 2018, the lightning-caused Monument fire in the Gravelly Mountains burned more than 6,600 acres.

During suppression efforts, a fuel break was constructed that generated multiple log decks. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is proposing the sale and transport of merchantable logs from those decks.

During project implementation, all equipment use would occur on existing landings and the adjacent Johnny Gulch Road (Forest Road No. 324). 

Logs would be de-limbed, cut to length and slash piled on existing landings for future prescribed burning.  Landings would be monitored and treated for noxious weeds as necessary.  Log haul would occur when roads are open as per the Motor Vehicle Use Map and the public would be notified when log haul is occurring.  Temporary road closures may be implemented to provide for visitor safety. 

The Forest Service is seeking comments related to this proposed project.  Comments are welcome anytime, however they will be most helpful if they are submitted by June 3, 2019.

Comments may be sent electronically to: comments-northern-beaverhead-deerlodge@fs.fed.us  “Monument Fire Log Decks” typed in the subject line, or sent to the Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729. For more information regarding this proposal, contact Madison District Ranger Dale Olson in Ennis at (406) 682-4253. 

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The Madisonian

65 N. MT Hwy 287
Ennis, MT 59729
406-682-7755
www.madisoniannews.com

Cori Koenig, editor: editor@madisoniannews.com
Susanne Hill, billing: s.hill@madisoniannews.com 
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