[cdt-l] More Fire Closures in the Bob Complex affecting the CDT

[Kelsey McCartney]

On August 16, 2007, Helena National Forest closed the western half of the
Scapegoat Wilderness on the Lincoln Ranger District due to the Conger Fire
to the west of there.  The closure map and order can be found at
http://www.activefires.net/jic_mt/.  This closure cuts off the Continental
Divide Trail heading north from Rogers Pass at the Bighorn Creek/Landers
Fork Divide on Trail 438 and the CDT southward-bound from the Lewis and
Clark National Forest at the top of Blacktail-Landers Fork Pass on Trail
207.  There is no longer an open route along the CDT between Roger's Pass
and Green Fork Cabin due to this closure.  Other closures instituted
earlier this summer also remain in effect that have closed most of the
Continental Divide Trail from near Green Fork Cabin in the Scapegoat all
the way north to Marias Pass on Highway 2.

On the Lewis & Clark National Forest, the Scapegoat remains open south of
Green Fork Cabin (roughly), and hikers can access the area through the
Smith Creek, Elk Creek, and Dearborn Trailheads.  Alice Creek Trailhead,
accessing Lewis and Clark Pass, and a good portion of trail 440, including
to Bighorn lake and Bighorn Creek are still open on the Helena National
Forest.

There are no routes around the closures on trails.  However, a good portion
of the Bob Marshall remains open for hikers (though not the CDT), and
hikers are encouraged to call the Spotted Bear Ranger District at (406)
758-5376 for possible backpacking opportunities still available to them on
the Flathead National Forest.

Additional fire information for Montana can be found at
http://www.inciweb.org/ or the Bob Marshall Area JIC page at
http://www.activefires.net/jic_mt/

Please call the Bob Marshall Area Joint Fire Information Center for any
additional information on the fires in the area.

Kelsey McCartney
Bob Marshall Area Joint Fire Information Center
1-866-831-7450