LAC Meeting, April 17, 2004 Stage Stop Inn at Choteau, MT 59422

(Limits of Acceptable Change pertaining to the Bob Marshall Complex)

 

Agenda

  1. Forest Plan Revision: Forest Plan Revision Includes the Bitterroot, Flathead and Lolo National Forests.

To view the proposed changes you can see the plan at http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/wmpz/ or the direct link to

The Publication is http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/wmpz/publications/proposed-action/wmpz_proposed_action3.pdf

The main parts of this proposed revision is on pages 16 through 23.

The comment period for this proposed action will end on April 22, 2004. Please send comments to: Western

Montana Planning Zone Revision Team, Lolo National Forest, Fort Missoula, Building 24, Missoula, MT

59804, or email comments to: wmpz@fs.fed.us.

  1. Bob Marshall Visitor Study: This study was conducted by the University of Montana, College of Forestry

And Conservation. Missoula, MT 59812-0576 There will be an upcoming link to this site so you can view the

U of M survey.

  1. Bob Marshall Foundation Update: The Bob Marshall Foundation is asking for any or all who can help this

Summer with trail maintenance, packing supplies to please contact the: The Bob Marshall Foundation, PO Box

903, Whitefish, MT 59937. Phone (406)863-5411 Fax (406)863-5437.

www.bobmarshallfoundation.org or email at trails@bobmarshallfoundation.org

  1. NCDE (Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem) Grizzly Bear DNA Study: This study will continue on For the summer of 2004. The first collections will start on June 15 and continue on until August 18. They will also, have some collection sites baited to attract the bears these areas will be marked and you are asked not to stop at these sites. You can visit this website at: http://nrmsc.usgs.gov/research/NCDEbeardna.htm to obtain additional information.
  1. Outfitter / Guide Permit Reissuance: There were no changes or discussion on this topic.
  1. General Agency Updates:
    1. Fish Wildlife and Parks: There was talk of the Grayling Fish introduction into the Sun River Areas, but it looks as if they did not take. Also the Western Cutthroat Trout reintroduction in some lakes and streams within in the Bob Marshall Wilderness is still in the discussion stages. Another topic was the declining elk herds around Yellowstone some of this has been blamed on the increase of wolves, but  there is no definite data.  There was also talk on the proposed drilling on the Rocky Mountain Front and what impact that could have on wildlife. The Trail Grants Program has 1 Million dollars this year. And all grant applications are due by July 1st. Note: This money comes from the Federal Gas Tax. If you would like you can visit the FWP website for more

Information and downloading Trail Grant Applications. www.fwp.state.mt.us/default.aspx  or for grants

www.fwp.state.mt.us/parks/grants.asp             

    1. Trail Conditions: This topic was covered by all the involved Forest Service Agencies: Including the Flathead

National Forest, Lolo National Forest, Lewis and Clark National Forest and the Bitterroot National Forest.

It seems the one thing they all have in common is the decrease in trail funding. This will mean less trail crews

Working with in the National Forests. And  most of these Forests have a lot of trees that have been blown down over the past months. So you are asked to please, Contact the Ranger District in your area to find out the condition of trails that you may be planning to visit. Or you better have a good ax and saw with you.

    1. 2003 Fire Hazards: You are encouraged to be aware of potential fire hazards such as snags and downed

trees in any area that has had a fire in it. These areas will have increasingly blown down trees in the years to

come.

    1. Mushrooms: There will be an increase in mushroom picking particularly in burned areas especially in the

Flathead National Forest and Bob Marshall Wilderness. You will need to have a permit for certain types of

Mushroom picking. For more information on this topic you can visit.

                        www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead/mushrooms/index.htm

If you have any questions or comments about the meeting please contact Rich Fitzpatrick.