SWAN VALLEY - The Swan Lake Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest is requesting public scoping comments on the Van Lake Project in the Swan Valley. Comments received by March 15 are the most helpful in project development.
The proposed project seeks to improve the existing dispersed camping and recreation area adjacent to Van Lake. The popularity of dispersed recreation around Van Lake has increased, leading to increased effects to the surrounding area including soil compaction, vegetation damage, riparian degradation and associated aquatic resource damage. Resource damage has also occurred from the proliferation of user created trails to the lakeshore and recreational vehicle being driven off designated roads.
The project proposes road management actions, dispersed site and boat ramp improvements, hazard tree removal and dispersed recreation improvements specifically:
• A portion of the existing Forest Road 558 would be widened and reconstructed to add turnouts, improve drainage and to remove obstacles in the existing roadway.
• A 0.2 mile section of new road would be constructed to replace a section of eroded road.
• Two approximately 200 foot long campground loop roads would be constructed.
• A small parking space for boat trailers would be added.
• The boat launch ramp would be regraded and graveled.
• An information kiosk would be installed at the entrance to the dispersed area.
• Six dispersed campsites would be defined with parking areas, tent pads, picnic tables, food storage lockers and fire rings.
• Walking paths would be defined from the campsites to the lake and user-created trails would be rehabilitated.
Scoping comments can be submitted via email to comments-northern-flathead-swan-lake@fs.fed.us with “Van Lake Project” in the subject line; or sent to Swan Lake Ranger District, Attn: Van Lake Project, 200 Ranger Station Road, Bigfork, MT 59911.
Additional project information is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55481.
Questions regarding the project should be directed to Beth Pargman, Recreation Specialist, or Chris Dowling, District Ranger, at 406-837-7500.
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