Bitterroot National Forest

1801 N. 1st Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-7100

NEWS RELEASE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tod McKay
Public Affairs Officer
(406) 363-7122

November 15, 2010

PINE BEETLE INFESTATION AROUND LAKE COMO TO BE DISCUSSED SATURDAY

Hamilton, MT. – The Darby Ranger District on the Bitterroot National Forest is inviting the public to attend a
meeting this Saturday, November 20, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Lake Como Boat Launch area. The
purpose of the meeting is to learn more about proposed treatments the Forest may take around the Lake Como
Recreation Area to address mountain pine beetle infestation concerns.

Resource specialists with the Bitterroot National Forest will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the
purpose and need for the project. The project area encompasses nearly 5,000 acres in the Lake Como and Lick
Creek areas including the highly popular Lake Como Recreation Area. It is the most utilized recreation site on
the Bitterroot National Forest and across the entire Northern Rockies Region of the Forest Service System. The
area is extremely popular with boaters, horseback riders, mountain bikers, hikers and campers.

The project area is comprised of ponderosa and lodgepole pine stands that are experiencing infestations of
mountain pine beetle and are susceptible to tree mortality from the insects. The purpose of the project is to:

1. Address immediate and long-term vegetation concerns resulting from the mountain pine beetle attacks
2. Provide for public health and safety while protecting the visual integrity of the recreation area
3. Increase forest stand diversity
4. Reduce fire hazards created by individual dead, dying and diseased trees.
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What: Public Meeting to address mountain pine beetle concerns around Lake Como Recreation Area

When: Saturday, November 20, 2010 – 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Where: Lake Como Boat Launch Area (dress warm as meeting is outdoors)
Directions: From Hamilton, travel 13 miles south to Lake Como. Turn right on Lake Como
Road and follow signs to Boat Launch Area.

For more information about the project or public meeting contact the Darby Ranger District at (406) 821-3913
or project team leader Sara Grove at (406) 821-1251. Comments will be accepted through December 10, 2010.
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