Comments sought on Hebgen-area project

WEST YELLOWSTONE - The Gallatin National Forest has proposed thinning and prescribed burning on about 3,045 acres 12 miles northwest of West Yellowstone to reduce the risk of wildfires in a popular recreational home area on the west shore of Hebgen Lake.

The project is intended to reduce wildland fuels in the wildland-urban interface and provide adequate evacuation routes for forest users, homeowners, business owners and their customers.

In addition to thinning and burning, about 3.9 miles of temporary roads and 2.4 miles of reconstructed project roads would be built in the area along the Denny Creek Road.

The Lonesome Wood Vegetation Management environmental assessment is available for public review and comment. Copies are also electronically at www.fs.fed.us/r1/gallatin by clicking on the "Projects and Plans" link. To request a paper copy of the environmental assessment, contact the Hebgen Lake Ranger District by phoning 406-823-6961 or visit the District Office at 330 Gallatin Road, in West Yellowstone. Because of the holidays, the official 30-day comment period will not start until after Jan. 1.