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Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Fire Weather Watch issued August 31 at 10:31AM MDT until September 3 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

August 31st, 10:31 AM — 3:15 PM

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING DUE TO WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR EAST BEAVERHEAD... The National Weather Service in Missoula MT has issued a Fire Weather Watch. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 111. * TIMING...From Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * WINDS...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 20 to 35 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition

This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho

Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region

It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.

Overview

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest spans 2.8 million acres across central and north-central Montana, comprising island mountain ranges bisected by the Continental Divide and Missouri River. The forest is currently open with 6 ranger districts (Lincoln, Helena, Townsend, Judith-Musselshell, Rocky Mountain, and Belt Creek-White Sulphur Springs). A December 2025 windstorm recently caused hazards across the forest—numerous trees are down across trails and roads, and weakened trees may fall at any time, requiring extra caution. Key closures include the South Hills trail system near Helena through December 2025, and Forest Service Road #8998. Regional food storage orders are in effect across the NCDE (Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem) area and north half of the Crazy Mountains to prevent bear habituation. The forest offers 28 reservable cabins and group campsites through Recreation.gov, typically available 6 months in advance. The Forest Service is also moving forward with an expansive prescribed fire project to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. Christmas tree permits became available December 2025, many permits are free and available online.

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