Forest Service finalizes updated Stonewall Vegetation project analysis

HELENA, Mont. – The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest has finalized plans for the Stonewall Vegetation project near Lincoln, Mont. following additional environmental analyses that were deemed necessary after wildfire burned portions of the project area in 2017. The final project decision, signed December 19, authorizes forest management activities including timber harvest and prescribed burning on nearly 1,400 acres in the larger project area.

"We have taken the time to ensure that this project will result in positive environmental changes on the landscape while helping to protect the community and residents of Lincoln from wildfire. We have received support for this project throughout the planning process and have listened to all viewpoints to inform our final decision," said Michael Stansberry, Lincoln District Ranger.

The management activities authorized through the Stonewall Vegetation project will reduce wildfire fuels to help protect the nearby community of Lincoln from high–intensity wildfire in the future. At the same time, smaller, controlled fire can be returned to the area in the form of prescribed burns that benefit the fire–adapted environment in the project area.

Timber harvest and subsequent re–planting will allow the Forest Service to diversify the age and species of trees in the area, establishing a forest ecosystem that is more resilient to insect infestation and disease. Marketable timber removed during these management activities will support local economies and the wood products industry.

"As the fire season of 2017 showed, implementing this collaboratively–designed and strongly supported project is crucial for firefighter safety and forest resiliency, and plays a critical role in reducing wildfire intensity in the Wildland Urban Interface on the outskirts of Lincoln," said Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Supervisor Bill Avey.

The Stonewall Vegetation project is located in Powell and Lewis and Clark counties on National Forest System lands within the Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. An initial decision was made on the project in 2016, but implementation was delayed by litigation that resulted in a preliminary injunction on the project.

Shortly after, lightning–caused wildfires burned more than 13,000 acres in the project area, changing environmental conditions and requiring the Forest Service to re–evaluate their project plans to address the area's changed condition. This additional analysis, known as a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, was released in August. The Forest Service used public comment on this supplemental analysis to inform the final project decision.

With the final decision signed, the Lincoln Ranger District can now begin planning for implementation of the Stonewall Vegetation project. Visit the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest website (www.fs.usda.gov/hlcnf) and follow the forest on social media for updates.

More information about the Stonewall Vegetation project, including the final Record of Decision and other planning documents, is available online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53872.