Flathead County is taking decisive steps to protect its forests, parks, and residents through the Many Lakes Fire Mitigation Project. This effort, years in the making, exemplifies proactive community care—ensuring that our natural resources remain healthy and resilient while reducing the risk of devastating wildfires.
Thanks to a cost-share grant from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), approved by the Flathead County Board of Commissioners in May, this long-planned project has become a reality. The grant has allowed the county to tackle much-needed thinning and debris removal on up to 16 acres of densely wooded parkland near Lake Meredith and Swimming Lake, providing critical protection to an area rich in recreational and environmental value.
Building on this success, the project has now been expanded to include an additional 10.5 acres, meaning that by winter’s end, roughly 75% of the Many Lakes parkland will have undergone fuel reduction work. This effort focuses on the most vulnerable and high-risk areas, leaving only smaller, scattered tracts untouched.
The importance of this work cannot be overstated. As we’ve seen with the catastrophic wildfires in California, where dense vegetation has fueled massive destruction, the consequences of inaction can be devastating. Though disaster can strike anywhere, Flathead County is using the opportunity to prepare and protect, and the Many Lakes project is a clear example of how it can be done.
The Many Lakes project is steadily advancing, setting a strong example of proactive forest management across the state. With nearly 75% of the parkland soon to be treated, Flathead County is proving that thoughtful planning and decisive action can have a lasting impact.