A request by Action Rentals to develop an all-terrain vehicle track and camping area on state forestland north of the Olney green-box garbage collection site has been approved by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Action Rentals now has the required land-use license to develop the track with associated trails and a camping area on 11.5 acres of state trust land in the Stillwater Unit. The site, at 6235 U.S. 93, is an old satellite log yard once used by American Timber in the 1980s and 1990s.

“After many years of proposals, denials, resubmitting and proposing, refining, educating, and standing on faith in the cold, in the heat, in whatever comes our way, we have succeeded,” Action Rentals owner Kathaleen Krass said in a press release.

The business will host the annual four-part, Montana Mayhem Offroad Race Series (one race per season) and the fifth round of the National American Snowbike Association National Championship Snowbike Series.

The track will be the base of operations for Action Rentals’ upcoming outdoor recreation-themed youth program, designed to help teach Tread Lightly! principles; creating a sense of community; providing healthy recreation; building entrepreneurial spirit and a sense of leadership for area youth, the press release said.

It will also be the base for emergency backcountry training and rider’s safety courses; and nonprofit training days available to all EMS companies in the county.

Action Rentals has been providing adventure packages for Northwest Montana for over 10 years.

The state recently released a scoping notice for the proposal and reviewed the project. Since the property is part of state trust lands, the DNRC is required to produce return to the beneficiary schools. The financial return will be based on a 5% annual fee based on the land value for the property, as well as an associated fee per mile of trail.

The track will be constructed of earthen materials and an underground watering system would be installed for dust control.

A spectator area will be located along the eastern edge, on the hillside overlooking the track.

For more info on Action Rentals, the track, and races, go to https://actionrentalsmt.com.