Custer forest press release for comments

Public Comments Sought on Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Assessment

Red Lodge, MT – The Beartooth Ranger District of the Custer National Forest is preparing a

needs assessment for commercial outfitting and guiding in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area.

Much has changed since the designation of the wilderness area, including social and demographic

conditions and even types of recreational equipment. Once completed, this needs assessment will

guide Ranger District personnel in determining the types of activities to consider for future outfitting and

guiding special use authorizations.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 specifies that, “Commercial services may be performed within the

wilderness areas designated by this act to the extent necessary for activities which are proper for

realizing the recreational or other purposes of the areas.” The needs assessment will consider

activities that are consistent with the Wilderness Act. The Custer National Forest currently authorizes

outfitters and guides to provide a number of activities, including backpacking, rock climbing, overnight

stock trips, and wilderness therapy.

As part of the assessment process, the Forest is requesting input and comments to help identify

public needs for outfitting and guiding. Comments received from the public will be used along with

other data, such as national and regional recreation trends and current outfitter and guide permitting

levels, in determining needs. When submitting comments, it may be useful to think about the special

skills, knowledge, equipment, or other resources that you would seek from an outfitter and guide.

Comments will be accepted through September 15. A Public Comment Letter with an attached

Comment Form is available on the Forest’s website at

This optional form may be helpful in focusing one’s comments. For additional information, please

contact Jeff Gildehaus or Michael Fiebig at the Beartooth Ranger District, 6811 U.S. Highway 212, Red

Lodge, MT, 59068, or by phone at (406) 446-2103. Comments may be submitted by email at

http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/custer/projects/planning.