Community Briefs

Fire Danger VERY HIGH in Missoula County

MISSOULA - Interagency wildland fire officials with the Missoula County Fire Protection Association (MCFPA) are reporting nearly 20 human-caused fires last week alone while fire danger indices have reached VERY HIGH.

After a wet spring, fuels have dried to the point that fires will spread quickly. Last week, unattended campfires, illegal debris burning, operating internal combustion engines around cured grasses and tow chains dragging on highway surfaces ignited wildfires.

Here how we can all prevent the most common human-caused fires:

• Keep campfires small and never leave them unattended. Drown, mix and stir in water until the campfire is cold to the touch before leaving your campsite.

• Outdoor debris burning by permit has been closed for the season. Debris burning in Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli or Sanders is not allowed.

• Running internal combustion engines in areas of tall, cured grass could start a wildfire. Be vigilant during these operations and avoid doing such things on windy days or in the heat of the day. Have a water supply or fire extinguisher, leather gloves and a hand tool ready.

• Make sure trailers are well maintained and that you are not dragging the safety chains.

Residents need to know that our wildland firefighters face a long, arduous fire season even without having to respond to human-caused fires. Everyone needs to take special care when engaged in activities that could spark a wildfire. Remember: one less spark, one less wildfire.

Even though wildfire agencies have not implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions at this time, everyone is encouraged to bookmark http://www.firerestrictions.us for the most up-to-date information regarding restrictions and burn bans. Folks can also like the Missoula County Fire Protection Association on Facebook, and get information on our webpage: http://www.mcfpa.org. Follow us on our new Twitter account @MCFPA

Commissioners to Hold Hearing on Seeley Lake Refuse District Assessment, July 26

MISSOULA – The public hearing for the Seeley Lake Refuse District Assessment will be held July 26 at 2 p.m. in Annex 151 of the Missoula County Courthouse. The commissioners are being asked to approve a resolution establishing the Seeley Lake Refuse District’s FY19 assessment at $150. This assessment represents no increase from the previous year.

If anyone attending the public meeting is in need of special assistance please provide advance notice by calling 406-258-4877.

SVC Campfire Talk on Cultural Heritage, July 27

Swan Valley - Swan Valley Connections will host a Campfire Talk on Cultural Heritage, Friday, July 27, 8 p.m. at Holland Lake Day Use Area in Condon. Ryan Powell, Flathead National Forest Heritage Program Manager, and Laura Cannon, SVC Archaeological Consultant, will give a presentation on how Native Americans used trees in western Montana, and how to identify these special cultural sites. Attendees will take part in activities involving the primitive tools that represent the local cultural heritage.

This is an opportunity for community members to come together, connect with each other and nature. Free. Everyone is welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket, bug spray and a flashlight. Contact 754-3137 or info@svconnections.org for more information.

“Natural History Center’s Children’s Program: Art in Nature,” July 28

PLACID LAKE - Join a naturalist from the Montana Natural History for a family friendly nature art activity during the Montana State Parks Campfire program 7 p.m. July 28, at Placid Lake State Park at the group use area picnic tables behind site 22. Kids (and adults!) can have fun and get creative making art using natural materials. There will be options for making art to take home, as well as a group project that all can contribute to.

This event is FREE and open to the public. All ages welcome, but children should be accompanied by a parent or other adult.

SSHS Fall Sports Pre-Season Meeting, July 31

SEELEY LAKE - The Seeley-Swan High School fall sports pre-season meeting for students and parents will be held Tuesday, July 31st at 7 p.m. in the SSHS cafeteria. Everyone going out for football, volleyball and cross country are encouraged to attend.

Learn How to Keep Homes Fire Resistant, Aug. 1 

Swan Valley - Swan Valley Connections’ August Community Potluck Dinner will be held on Wed., Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. at the Swan Valley Community Hall in Condon. A presentation on Protecting Your Home From Wildland Fire will feature Allen Branine, Fire Management Officer and Ali Ulwelling, Area Service Forester and Fire Prevention Specialist of MT DNRC - Swan Unit. Learn about the new Montana Situation Analysis Home Evaluation Program.

Swan Valley Connections monthly potlucks are held on the first Wednesday. This is a time for all community members to come together, share food and learn from one another! Doors open at 5:30 p.m., potluck dinner at 6 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m. and get to know your neighbors at 7 p.m.!

The event is free and everyone is welcome. Contact Rebecca at 406.754.3137 or rebecca@svconnections.org for more information.

Commissioners Seek Applicants for Open Lands Citizens Advisory Committee

MISSOULA - The Missoula County Open Lands Citizen Advisory Committee has three, non-voting alternate member vacancies. The committee is comprised of 13 voting members, up to four non-voting alternates and technical advisors when needed.

The OLC advises the Missoula Board of County Commissioners and represents the citizens of Missoula County in the protection and preservation of open space and the rural way of life throughout the county ‘s rural and urban areas that protect water quality, river corridors, important wildlife habitat, working farms and ranches, timberlands, scenic views and vistas, and diverse recreation opportunities for present and future generations.

Applications are available at https://www.missoulacounty.us/community/volunteer or in the Commissioners’ Office, 199 West Pine Street in Missoula. Submissions may be filed electronically or emailed to sbell@missoulacounty.us. Deadline for applications is Aug. 17 by 5 p.m. 

For more information, please contact the County Commissioners’ Office at (406) 258-4877. All board vacancies are listed at https://www.missoulacounty.us/community/current-vacancies