The Townsend Ranger District has begun installation of temporary route signs and road closure posts as part of the initial steps to implement the South Belts Travel Plan decision.

Forest visitors can expect to see signs and posts bearing ‘road closed’ stickers as an initial indication of the changes that will become more permanent as implementation activities progress.

The decision, signed by Helena Forest Supervisor Kevin Riordan in February 2008, identifies the open motorized roads and trails for Forest Service lands in the South Big Belts area which extends from the Duck Creek drainage on the north to the Dry Creek drainage on the south.

The forest is implementing the February decision for the South Belts Travel Plan because all appeals on the project decision have been resolved.

“Most people will see few differences in the roads that they have been able to drive in this area,” said Townsend District Ranger Mike Cole.

Cole said the biggest impact will be to hunters and others who use the areas south and east of Grassy Mountain. He said the road closures were needed to provide big game security and prevent rutting and resource damage.

“We think ATV riders will like some of the newly designated ATV routes, which will be open next summer in the Little Camas area,” Cole said. “These routes had been closed to motorized use for over 20 years. Overall, the biggest thing we want motorized users to do is stay on the designated routes and don’t drive cross country.”

Copies of the color decision map have been made to help acquaint users with the changes. These maps are free and can be picked up at the Townsend Ranger District, Rocky Mountain Supply, Rellers Bent Willow in Townsend, the White Sulphur Springs Ranger District and the Helena Ranger District and Forest Supervisors Office in Helena.

Full implementation of the travel decision for the South Belts will include printing and distribution of a free Motorized Visitor Use Map, installation of durable route number signs, and installation of closure gates or barriers on closed routes. These activities are expected to occur as funds are available over the next two to four years.

The public should also be aware that both Gypsy Lake and Skidway campgrounds are closed for the season.

For more information about the decision, routes, implementation efforts and maps, call the Townsend Ranger District at (406) 266-3425.

Helena National Forest issues new map

By Independent Record

The Helena National Forest’s free newsprint map of the motorized travel routes in the North Big Belts and Clancy Unionville areas of the Helena National Forest has been reprinted and will be available in time for rifle season this year.

The map has been distributed to numerous Helena area outlets and is stocked in map holders at the entrances to the main forest routes.

The North Belts-Clancy Unionville map identifies the open motorized roads and trails for these portions of the forest, including seasonal closures and nonmotorized trails. The map was first printed in 2005 as an interim map until the Motorized Visitor Use Map for these areas was prepared.

“The fall season includes all kinds of uses from hunting to camping to woodcutting,” said Helena Forest recreation planner Dave Payne. “It is important for people to stay on the designated routes and to not travel cross country.”

Camping is permitted within 300 feet of open routes to dispersed campsites, according to Payne, and woodcutters are cautioned to pull off the road to allow others to pass but to keep their wood cutting vehicles adjacent to the open roads.

The maps can be found in Helena at the Helena Supervisors Office 2880 Skyway Drive, Helena Ranger District 2001 Poplar St., Sportsman’s Warehouse, Capital Sports, Montana Outdoor Sports, and Bob Wards; in Clancy at the Montana City Store; in Townsend at the Townsend Ranger District 415 S. Front St. in Townsend, Rocky Mountain Supply, Rellers Bent Willow, and the Copy Cup; in White Sulphur Springs at the White Sulphur Springs Ranger District 214 W. Folsom.; in York at the York Bar; and posted at numerous forest access roads in the areas.

Forest users should also know that the Park Lake and Vigilante campgrounds are closed for the season.

For more information, contact the Townsend Ranger District at 266-3425 or the Helena Ranger District at 449-5490.