UNTERS: HELP OUR FIREFIGHTERS AND KEEP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2003

Contacts:
Flathead National Forest, Ken Frederick, 758-5252
Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation: Jeremy Priest, 751-2271
Kootenai National Forest: Greg Kujawa, 293-6211
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: John Fraley, 752-5501

HUNTERS: HELP OUR FIREFIGHTERS AND KEEP
HUNTING ACCESS OPEN

The Northwest Montana Zone of Fire Management Agencies interagency team is urging Montana hunters to help avoid additional fires during this extreme fire season. Upland bird season opens September 1, and archery season follows closely with a September 6 opener. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the National Forests of Northwest Montana, and northwest Montana counties are joining together to urge hunters to exercise extreme caution and to be aware of area closures.

Officials note that wildfires have affected large areas of public lands this summer. Hunters are reminded that there is still a lot of public land open to hunt on, but that opportunity could be jeopardized by careless activities that could cause fires.

Officials want to remind hunters of the following:

Stage II fire restrictions are in effect throughout western Montana.

No campfires are allowed.
Smoking is restricted.
ATVs and other vehicles may not be operated off of designated roads and trails.

Also, when you park your vehicle make sure no fuel (grass) is touching the catalytic converter or muffler. Find a bare spot along the roadside to park. Park your vehicle in an acceptable area. Don't block the flow of traffic. We urge hunters and recreational users to carry fire suppression equipment in your vehicles. Water (5 gallons) and a shovel are recommended. Having a fire extinguisher is a plus. The old adage of "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" applies. Just follow your common sense and be cautious.

Hunters are urged to check current access conditions in areas they plan to hunt. Some areas in western Montana are closed due to fire activity, so hunters should call ahead for the most current information.

Officials remind hunters that crews have their hands full with lightning fires; if hunters follow these guidelines, preventable fires can be avoided.

Here is a list of contacts for the best current information on access and fire status:

Flathead National Forest
Hungry Horse and Glacier View Ranger Districts 387-3800
Swan Lake RD, Bigfork 837-7500
Spotted Bear RD 758-5376
Tally Lake RD 863-5400

Kootenai National Forest Ranger Districts
Cabinet RD, Trout Creek 827-3533
Libby RD 293-7773
Three Rivers RD, Troy 295-4693
Fortine RD 882-4451
Rexford RD, Eureka 296-2536

Lolo National Forest Ranger Districts
Plains RD 826-3821
Thompson Falls RD 827-3589

State Contacts:

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks 752-5501
Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation 751-2240

Websites:

News Release