Temporary access changes on Upper, Lower Whitefish Roads

Construction crews contracted by The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation will conduct important road repair and sediment reduction work on Upper Whitefish Road and Lower Whitefish Road in the Stillwater State Forest from July 15 – Sept. 30.  

Both motorized and non-motorized vehicle access, including bicycle travel, will be restricted in areas where construction is taking place. 

Crews will replace several culverts and upgrade road surfaces to improve instream habitat for Bull Trout and Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Heavy equipment will be active in the area, and some segments of the roads will not be passable during work periods. 

Crews will place signs at key locations to guide visitors and prevent entry into restricted areas during active work. Temporary road closures during construction will enhance safety for both the recreating public and the contractor. 

“The needed road maintenance is part of our ongoing commitment to caring for native trout and their habitat,” said Kari Nielsen, the state trust lands program manager for DNRC’s Northwestern Land Office. “This brief travel interruption now helps keep recreationists who enjoy the Stillwater State Forest safe, and we appreciate the public’s understanding as we complete this important work.” 

Visitors are urged to watch for posted notices and avoid entering areas where access is temporarily unavailable. Bicyclists in particular are urged to use extreme caution, as equipment operators may not see or hear approaching riders.