USFS Priscilla Peak Prescribed Fire project seeks comments

PLAINS - The Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, is soliciting public comment on the proposed Priscilla Peak Prescribed Fire project between the Thompson River and West Fork Thompson River northeast of Thompson Falls on Dec. 14.  This project is located in T 22 N, R 28 W immediately adjacent to Priscilla Peak.  This project began in 2006, but has been on hold for several years, because 6 years have elapsed an additional comment period is warranted.

The purpose of this project is to improve wildlife habitat with prescribed fire in an area of high use by bighorn sheep.  This area was chosen for treatment because of the high value and interest in bighorn sheep viewing and hunting.  Application of prescribed fire would create more open habitat that allows sheep to better detect predators and increase the amount of forage grasses and forbs.  Prescribed burning in this area would also improve habitat for elk, mule and whitetail deer, a variety of bird species, and contribute to the recovery of grizzly bears by creating more forage.  The Priscilla Peak area has been without a larger fire since the early 1900s and many of the formerly open areas are becoming forested and much less suitable for bighorn sheep.

The area considered for application of prescribed fire is approximately 5,000 acres.  

We welcome your comments on this project.  Please send comments by January 15, 2013 to:

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District

Dave Wrobleski, Project Coordinator  

P.O. Box 429

Plains, MT 59859

(406-826-4321)

Comments-northern-lolo-plains-thompsonfalls@fs.fed.us