CWD update

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories at Colorado State University confirmed that the second deer in Libby suspected of Chronic Wasting Disease did in fact have the disease, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

FWP Information and Education Program Manager Dillon Tabish said FWP is still working with the City of Libby on a plan to help remove infected deer in the city. The program has been working smoothly with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, he said.

Since May 31, FWP has received 34 calls, some of which have been symptomatic looking deer reports, on their 406-291-6539 line. A number FWP advises Libby residents to call if they spot a deer appearing sick.

In a recent press release answering frequently asked questions, FWP reminded people that the likelihood of someone’s harvested deer, elk or moose having CWD is low, given the overall prevalence of the disease.

On Wednesday, FWP workers will be presenting information about CWD and their plan to help tackle the issue in Libby.

Campground facelift

The Libby Ranger District, with the help of Montana Conservation Corps, fixed up the Sylvan Campground by installing new tables, fire rings and signs, according to a press release by the U.S. Forest Service.

Willie Sykes, a Forest Service public affairs worker, wrote that wildfires in 2017 damaged the camp and trees around it. Workers salvaged logs in 2018 to help reduce “hazardous conditions.”

The cleanup crews spent a week at the campground, he wrote. There is still some remaining cleanup which needs to be done and campers should continue to be aware of burned forest conditions in the surrounding area.

Now, the campground is open for business, again, he wrote.