BLM Announces Implementation of North Hills WUI Fuels Reduction Project

BUTTE, Mont. –The Bureau of Land Management announces the decision to implement the North Hills Wildland-Urban Interface Fuels Reduction Project, following the review of the Categorical Exclusion (DOI-BLM-MT-B010-2024-0012-CX).  

“The BLM is committed to fostering a safe and healthy environment for our communities and the ecosystems we manage,” said Lindsey Babcock, Butte Field Office Manager. “We appreciate the support of the public as we work toward enhancing the resilience of our forests.” 

This critical initiative will involve approximately 900 acres of treatments within conifer stands to mitigate the hazards associated with high fuel loading, enhancing safety for both the public and firefighters. 

The project will focus on Douglas-fir and Ponderosa pine habitats, employing a combination of mechanical and hand treatments. These methods will help open the forest canopy and remove dead and down material, ultimately reducing the fuels hazard in the WUI and restoring the structure and composition of the current forest stands. Treatments will be conducted within 1,000 feet of existing roads and powerline corridors. 

This decision aligns with the Record of Decision and Approved Butte Resource Management Plan, emphasizing the importance of fire management activities in protecting life and property. The North Hills fire of 2019, which resulted in the evacuation of 400 homes and burned over 5,000 acres, underscored the urgent need for such preventive measures. 

For more information, please visit the project’s e-Planning website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2031257/510.