A 2020 proposal initiated by the U.S. Forest Service in Montana to reduce wildfire risks while improving recreation and habitat has been met with frivolous lawsuits by environmental groups to stall the project. USFS has released a new assessment to address lawsuit concerns and we need your voice to ensure this project gets pushed forward! Below you will find a brief history of the project, reasons for our support and the form to lend your voice of support.
Why BRC Supports The USFS Soldier-Butler Proposal
- The forest thinning and treatment will help prevent a catastrophic wildfire in the area
- It protects and improves 137 miles of roads, and adds 7.14 miles of new roads for access to address possible wildfires, meet growing public interest in the area and improve recreation
- It improves wildlife habitats
- It will control invasive species of plants
Original Proposal (2016–2020):
The Soldier-Butler Project was a large-scale forest management initiative proposed by the U.S. Forest Service for the Ninemile Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest, approximately 7 miles northwest of Huson, Montana. Spanning about 45,160 acres, the project aimed to implement various treatments, including tree thinning, prescribed burns, weed management, and road construction and decommissioning. Specifically, it proposed logging and/or burning on 9,975 acres, including 114 acres of clear-cuts, constructing at least 7 miles of new roads, and reconstructing over 37 miles of existing roads. The project’s objectives were to enhance forest health, reduce wildfire risks, and improve wildlife habitats.
Legal Challenges (2020–2021)
Following the project’s approval in April 2020, environmental groups, including the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and the Flathead-Lolo-Bitterroot Citizen Task Force, filed lawsuits challenging its legality. They argued that the project violated the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Key concerns included:
- Grizzly Bear Habitat: The Forest Service failed to consult adequately with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the impact of 137 miles of previously unaccounted-for roads on grizzly bear habitats.
- Elk Habitat Standards: The project did not comply with the Lolo Forest Plan’s requirements for elk cover and tree snag retention, essential for nesting birds.
Court Rulings (2021-2022):
In October 2021, U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen upheld Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto’s findings, ruling that the Forest Service had not provided sufficient justification for the project and had failed to adhere to its own forest management plan. The court concluded that the project could not proceed until the identified legal deficiencies were addressed.
In March 2022, the Forest Service withdrew its appeal of the court’s decision, effectively halting the Soldier-Butler Project. The agency acknowledged the need to reassess the project’s compliance with environmental laws and forest management standards. As of now, there are no active plans to revive the project in its original form.
Current Status (2025)
In May 2025, the U.S. Forest Service released a Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) to address prior legal concerns and clarify the project’s compliance with the Lolo Forest Plan.
Key Components of the Supplemental EA:
- Vegetation Management: The project proposes treatments such as tree thinning, slashing, and prescribed burns to enhance forest health and reduce wildfire risks.
- Road Management: Plans include road decommissioning through the Frenchtown Face Road Project, which would decommission 114.7 mils of roads. It also includes maintenance, improvements, and considerations of 137 miles of “undetermined” roads and new construction of 7.14 miles of roads to support forest operations and access.
- Habitat and Watershed Improvements: Activities aim to improve habitats for wildlife, fish, and rare plants, as well as enhance watershed conditions.
- Noxious Weed Treatments: The project includes measures to control and manage invasive plant species.
The public comment period for this supplemental EA began on May 16, 2025 and will go through June 12, 2025.
BRC Position
Agencies are required to manage public lands in a way that allows for continued access and use. The 9,975 acres to be treated for roads, forest health and fuel reduction will help keep the forest safe for the public and prevent catastrophic wildfires.
The USFS should be looking at ways to provide reasonable access that will sustain the growing numbers of visitation. These areas will be more susceptible to devastating fires if not treated. The 137 miles of roads and 7.14 miles of new road construction will aid in meeting current demands on public lands and provide needed access in case of fire.
Regarding the lawsuit: in 2021, Montana petitioned the FWS to delist the Grizzly Bear and recent findings by the FWS showed the species in this area has recovered sufficiently to warrant delisting, making the original lawsuit claims frivolous. The USFS needs to be taking this into account for these roads as clearly the population within the Lolo National Forest is doing well and the roads are not negatively impacting the species.
The largest threat to the wildlife is catastrophic wildfire. The USFS needs to move forward with the forest treatments to prevent wildfire to keep these public lands open and safe for both the public and wildlife. Forest fires damage the land, kill wildlife, remove users for years and cost millions of dollars to fight and restore the land. It would be irresponsible of the USFS to not move forward with the proposed treatments.
As a user of public lands, BlueRibbon Coalition strongly support the USFS in this project proposal and would like to see it move forward.
Like What We Do?
It takes a team of people to investigate, review, advocate and litigate in order to protect your rights to public lands. Please consider donating today so we can defend your ground.
