At mile marker 190 on U.S. 2 is the Devil Creek Campground, or at least what is left of it. In the name of beetle kill/fire management, the U.S. Forest Service has seen fit to ruin what was the nicest campground around.

Not only did they fell trees within the campground proper, they clear-cut a large area adjacent to the site, which includes both the trailhead and horse ramp.

So why the big deal? For at least three reasons. First, they turned Devil Creek Campground into the ugliest campground anywhere along the highway. Second, they diminished the scenic beauty and value of U.S. 2 for travelers.

And third, they damaged an essential and critical part of the wildlife corridor that existed there. Wildlife, including grizzly bears, require migration zones without significant impediments to comfortably move to and from Glacier National Park and the adjoining wilderness.  

Forest Service officials have informed me that they, too, are unhappy with the final result, but it’s too late for Devil Creek. What worries me is that many other such projects are in the offing.  Please go see for yourself the irreparable damage they have done and then contact your local Forest Service office and tell them we won’t stand for such irresponsible management in our national forests.

Tom Petrillo lives in Essex.