Flathead National Forest approved a 200-acre fuels reduction project that may disrupt access to some trails on Big Mountain this summer.  

About 200 acres within Whitefish Mountain Resort will be thinned, including stands beneath Chairs 1, 2 and 4 on the front side of Big Mountain. Work is anticipated to begin “immediately upon signature, as early as April 2026,” according to a decision notice signed April 16. 

The project aims to reduce overall forest fuel loads and remove hazard trees that increase the risk of catastrophic wildfire.   

Improvement cuts and tree removals are planned for 21 zones, including large segments in the Wood Lot glades between Chair 2 and the Big Ravine ski slope, below Good Medicine along Chair 1 and west of the Swift Creek run down to T-Bar 2.  

The Danny On hiking trail passes through seven of the zones just above the Russ's Street ski traverse. 

Brief disruptions to trail access are likely, according to Flathead National Forest officials. Alternative routes will be provided to circumvent any trail closures. 

No significant environmental effects are expected, though officials noted that project activities may damage or kill some whitebark pine seedlings and trees. Whitebark pine is considered a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. 

“Even though adverse effects to individual [whitebark pine trees] may occur, stand-level beneficial effects are expected as planned fuels reduction treatments would reduce the risk of wildfire mortality,” reads the decision notice. 

The project was approved under a categorical exclusion for small-scale forestry projects in wildfire-prone areas and an emergency action determination introduced by the Trump administration in April 2025. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 406-758-4433 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support. 

    Big Mountain Fuels Reduction Project.