USFS Wants Your Opinion on the Bonanza Project

White Sulphur Springs, Mont. – August 9, 2024 — The Belt Creek-White Sulphur Springs Ranger District is seeking public comment on the Bonanza Project. The project is focused on restoring part of the Castle Mountains that has experienced a long history of grazing, mining, timber harvesting and recreational use.

“This project allows us to move the forest closer to the desired conditions that will help it thrive long into the future,” said District Ranger Helen Smith. “We anticipate that the timber harvest, a byproduct of this project, will also contribute to maintaining timber industry infrastructure, including support to local mills and small businesses.”

The project area consists of 37,000 acres in the Castle Mountains located in Meagher County, east of the city of White Sulphur and includes National Forest System lands primarily within Checkerboard Creek, Bonanza Creek, Flagstaff Creek, Middle Fork Musselshell River, Alabaugh Creek, Muddy Creek and Fourmile Creek watersheds.

An informational “Open House” is planned for this project on Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 4-6 p.m. at the White Sulphur Springs Senior Center, 101 1st Ave SE, White Sulphur Springs, MT. Forest staff will be on hand to your answer questions or discuss the project in more detail.

A 30-day comment period began on August 6, 2024. Project information, including the scoping document, maps, and how to comment can be found online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66532. If you have additional questions, please contact Sharon Scott, Project Team Leader, at (406) 495-3943 or via email with return receipt to sharon.a.scott@usda.gov.