Forestry project to start Sept. 2

How did we get here?

Marshall Mountain Park is a United States Forest Service (USFS) designated Community Forest, one of only two in the Missoula Valley. An Interim Community Forest Plan was developed in the summer 2024. This plan set forest management areas and priorities at Marshall Mountain.

Thanks to the Missoula County Wildfire Program, a Forest Action Plan grant from the DNRC and a generous contribution from Friends of Marshall Mountain, we can now begin the first phase of forestry work within the highest priority management units. These areas coincide with the legacy ski runs at Marshall Mountain.

Actively maintaining the ski runs is the No. 1 improvement request from the winter recreation community and designated essential within the Marshall Mountain Park Conceptual Master Plan.

MMP staff worked with Montana Forest Consultants in the winter 2024-25 to develop a project plan that is consistent with the natural resource priorities of the Community Forest Plan and the recreation priorities of the Master Plan.

Why this project?

Forest health: Insect and disease disturbance is present across Marshall Mountain. Thinning will reduce the spread of insects and address diseased trees, while also promoting resilience through species composition and biodiversity across the project areas.
Wildfire risk reduction: Tree density is currently too high to effectively manage wildfire risk. Increasing space between trees, creating fuel breaks and removing ladder fuels are all part of the plan.
Winter recreation improvements: Dense regeneration of small trees is reducing space for skiing in previously cut and managed runs. This project frees up more skiable terrain while staying in line with forest health and wildfire risk priorities.

Project Timeline and Impacts:

Forestry activities will start the first week of September and continue until the snow flies. Trail closures are not planned. Vehicles and machinery will be traveling on the double-track roads within the park. Notices will be posted at the park entrance and near project activities. Follow along for project updates on the Marshall Mountain Park Instagram page. You can see the map of the project area in the Community Forest Plan document on this page.