Forest Service To Thin Trees In Big Timber Canyon

For the next 6 weeks, the Forest Service is launching an attack on future bark beetle invasions by thinning dense tree stands near Big Timber. Details here:

Work on the Big Timber Canyon Vegetation Treatment Project began this week adjacent to the Half Moon Campground in Big Timber Canyon on the Yellowstone Ranger District.  The project encompasses 180 acres in Big Timber Canyon, located 20 miles northwest of Big Timber, Montana, on the eastern slopes of the Crazy Mountains near Crazy Peak.

The intent of the project is to thin densely stocked stands of Douglas-fir to increase the health and vigor of the remaining trees and make them less susceptible to future bark beetle attacks.

Earlier this week, the project’s contractor and purchaser began moving equipment into the area and are scheduled to complete one 30 acre harvest unit in the next six weeks.  Project activities include timber harvest, slash and accumulated fuel piling, and hauling.  There is not yet a schedule to to harvest the remaining 150 acres at this time.

Operations will cease during weekends to minimize conflicts with hunters and recreationists, particularly logging truck and recreation traffic on the same road.  Recreationists should call the Yellowstone Ranger District’s Big Timber office at 406-932-5155 prior to heading out to get latest updates on campground impacts, access and parking.

For more information about the Big Timber Canyon Project please contact the Big Timber office of the Yellowstone Ranger District.  For more information on the Gallatin National Forest, visit them on the web at www.fs.fed.us/r1/gallatin.