Open Lands Fuel Reduction Projects

As the 2010 pine beetle season winds down around Helena, fuel mitigation work has been underway on Mount Helena and will be active until mid-January with temporary trail closures posted along the Prospect Shafts, Dump Out, and Reeders trails.

Also, winter slash pile burning will take place on various city open lands at the intersection of Easy Rider Trail and Archery Range Trail and the Entertainment Trail.  The city has received a variance from the Department of Environmental Quality to burn during the closed burning season from November through March.

Burns will take place dependent on whether there is enough ventilation, so burning will not take place during inversions.  Test fires will be lit to make sure smoke disperses before full burning takes place.  Snow cover provides safe conditions for burning if appropriate weather conditions are present.

The city open lands division, fire department, forest service, and natural resources department are working cooperatively to conduct these burns.

Warning and trail closure signs will be highly visible.  Please plan alternate routes during these times to avoid backtracking or hiking off-trail.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.