The Bitterroot National Forest will log 45 acres of fire-killed trees within the Roaring Lion drainage this winter. No additional roads will be built.

According to Tod McKay in a news release, the project will remove snag tree hazards near trailheads and parking areas, and also reduce some long-term hazardous fuels. The area involved has remained closed to the public for safety reasons.

The fire, which started July 31, burned over 8,500 acres, destroyed homes and caused evacuations around Ward Mountain southwest of Hamilton.

The harvest project opened up this fall for public comment. Of the 89 comments received, 87 were in support of the plan.

Logging has been done in a number of private land projects this fall.

roaring lion aftermath
Part of the thousands of acres burned in the Ward Mountain area. (Mike Daniels, Townsquare Media)
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