Zigzag Timber Sale

Within the area commercial thinning and precommercial thinning work are proposed on approximately 2,400 acres and 300 acres respectively. There is a 16 acre "regeneration harvest", or clearcut, proposed in the Mud Creek area.

Horseshoe: The Lost Creek tributary in SE corner of area is extremely productive. Unit 6 (plantation) would be accessed by a temp. road which runs through old growth structure. Lolo pass is steep with lots of wet unstable slopes. Many large trees suitable for red tree voles have been found, which will be climbed by USFS surveyors if they are below 3,500 feet in elevation (the known upper range for the species). There is a possibility of moving and expanding the Top Spur trailhead beyond where it is now; it would be placed over an existing landing (to be reused for Unit 61) and receive a better restroom facility. Trees from helicopter logging units would be flown down to Old Maid Flat which would result in a public closure for up to 1 month. Up around Lolo pass, the soils are wet, rocky, and terrain is steep. Units 34 and 40 are examples of relatively flat units which would utilize skyline logging to avoid soil impacts Horseshoe would likely be advertised as one sale: 50% skyline, 25% helicopter, 25% ground based. 

Mud Creek: Units 168, 175, 176, 130, 6, 132, 184, 180, 186, 185, 181 are all "fire origin" stands and are approximately 90-100+ years old. 129 is a proposed “regeneration harvest” using mastication. The area is flatter, with more ground based logging proposed. 85% ground based; 15% skyline. Western white pine blister rust is present and seen as an issue in the ares. "Huckleberry enhancement is a potential opportunity" – no official consultation has been done with the Tribes about this but according to FS, they will be focusing on accessible areas right off the main roads, approx. 51 acres have been identified for this. Cross-country skiing is popular here and there are existing impacts from dispersed camping that need to be addressed.