Action Rentals of Olney has received approval from the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to hold events at an all-terrain vehicle track on state forestland north of the Olney green-box garbage collection site.

The Action Alternative that was analyzed issued a term land-use license for a temporary business location to Action Rentals for outdoor equipment rentals such as side-by-sides, ATVs, kayaks, paddleboards as well as for a limited number of special events, according to Nicole Stickney, special uses program manager for the Montana DNRC, Stillwater Unit. The use of the area for equipment rentals will be authorized from May through Oct. 31, 2020.

The ATV track and associated amenities will also be available for special events such as rider safety courses and race events. No overnight camping will be permitted. The use of the area for special events will be authorized through Oct. 31, but could be extended after DNRC review. Extensions will be considered on an annual basis.

The associated trails and camping area were dropped from further analysis in the Environmental Assessment and thus are not authorized under their current license agreement.

Action Rentals’ 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 plans to 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.