Historic Panel Has a Month to Review Energy Lease

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service has given an historic advisory council until late September to weigh in on a proposal by a Louisiana company to drill for natural gas near Glacier National park.

Lewis and Clark National Forest Supervisor William Avey said in a Tuesday letter that he wants recommendations from the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation by Sept. 21.

Solenex, LLC, of Baton Rouge is seeking to drill on land held sacred by the Blackfoot tribes of Montana and Canada. The company's 6,200-acre energy lease has been held up for decades while federal officials consider the potential impacts of drilling.

Historic advisory council spokesman Bruce Milhans says an appointed panel will review the matter and visit the northwest Montana site before offering recommendations.