Helena National Forest

Helena National Forest Recreation Facility Analysis

For Additional Information Contact: Dave Payne, Recreation Planner at (406) 495-3735

The Helena National Forest has 46 Developed Recreation Sites, including campgrounds, picnic sites, boating sites, trailheads, and rental cabins. In 2006 Forest recreation managers prepared a five-year proposed program of work (PPOW) as part of a national Recreation Facilities Analysis (RFA). The purpose of RFA is to display the proposed tasks needed over the next five years to bring the Forest’s recreation infrastructure into alignment with the resources available to operate and maintain it to standards.

The PPOW describes a vision for the overall Forest recreation program and outlines specific management activities for individual recreation site. The PPOW serves as a framework from which the Helena National Forest will prioritize investments and pursue changes in operations or maintenance of recreation sites. Proposals are wholly consistent with the Region’s “Recreation Strategy” and the Helena Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. The proposed program of work is designed to meet the following objectives:
• Operate and maintain sites to standard within available revenue stream
• Reduce deferred maintenance by 20% over the five year life of the program of work
• Focus available resources on sites which conform most closely to the Forest Recreation Program Niche
• Maintain and enhance customer satisfaction with available sites

For the full Proposed Program of Work click here.

Public meetings and information will be hosted in the fall of 2007. Additional information on these meetings and proposed work activities will be forthcoming. Hard copies of the PPOW are available upon request.

The Helena National Forest seeks your input. We invite you to review the proposed RFA action plan and share your thoughts and concerns about the Forest’s developed recreation program. Click here to download the proposed RFA action plan

Forest Recreation Niche Statement

The Helena National Forest - Our Million Acre Backyard

The accessible landscape of the Helena NF enriches the lifestyles of local residents with abundant wildlife, history, scenery and trails in a million acre “backyard” surrounding Montana’s capital city. Just as Meriwether Lewis, while traveling along the Missouri River first saw the “gates of the [Rocky] Mountains,” adventurers of all ages can still experience the forest’s western landscapes. The Scapegoat/Bob Marshall Wilderness, Gates of the Mountains river corridor and Mann Gulch fire area attract national visitors. Historic ruins and diverse ecosystems provide opportunities for cultural and natural history interpretation and outdoor education. A well-defined transportation system supports a balance of motorized and non-motorized recreation including: hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, OHV-riding and snowmobiling.

USDA Forest Service - Helena National Forest
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06 February 2008 at 16:26:30 EST