03/31/2026
Just a quick note from the Forest Service.
Recent intense windstorms have swept across the Kootenai National Forest, leaving several areas heavily impacted.
While wind events are a common and important disturbance dynamic for forest ecosystems, these recent events resulted in unprecedented levels of downed trees and woody debris across the forest increasing concerns for:
🔥Elevated wildfire risk due to amplified dead and downed fuels.
🌲Forest health including heighted chance for non-native & invasive species.
đź›»Safe, public access: many road and trail systems were heavily impacted.
Forest officials are identifying priority areas to quickly address forest health, mitigate wildfire risk, and find opportunities for salvageable, commercial timber sale areas.
Crews are working to clear and open roads but the public is urged to use caution as many roads and trails may still have down or hazard trees, washouts, or water on the surface. Please check for any closure orders that are in effect for areas you plan to visit at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/alerts
To read more about the post-wind event efforts, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/newsroom/releases/kootenai-national-forest-post-wind-event-efforts
Photo: View from recent reconnaissance flight of area impacted by wind events near Libby, MT, courtesy of USDA employee.
