Kootenai National Forest

The Kootenai National Forest is located in the northwestern part of Montana.
Where is this Forest?

 
National Forest Signboard stating Entering Kootenai National Forest

Welcome to the
Kootenai National Forest

The Kootenai National Forest is located in the Northwest corner of Montana and the Northeast corner of Idaho on the Canadian border. Providing abundant recreation and a wealth of natural resources, the Kootenai is a perfect place to relax and enjoy your National Forests!

Three Rivers News

The Three Rivers Ranger District Autumn 2016 newsletter (pdf) is now available.

Gateway Ecological Restoration Project Open House

The Kootenai National Forest is in the early stages of planning a forest restoration project in the Gateway area on the Rexford Ranger District. The Forest is proposing to address forest health and hazardous fuel concerns, declining wildlife habitat conditions, and transportation system management.  The Forest Service is hosting an open house on December 8, 2016 in Eureka to present the Project Area boundaries, the purpose and need for the project, a list of potential management opportunities, answer questions, and determine interest for public involvement in the development of the project.

2015 Forest Plan Monitoring Program Transition

The Kootenai National Forest is preparing to administratively transition the 2015 Forest Plan monitoring program to meet the requirements of the 2012 National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule (2012 Planning Rule) and we are seeking public input on the proposed change. Please see our planning page for more information.

Kootenai National Forest Montanore Project Record of Decision is Now Available

The Kootenai National Forest has set forth its final decision and rationale for the selected mine and transmission line alternatives in a Final Record of Decision (ROD).  View/Download the Documents

Travel Analysis Process

The travel analysis is not a proposal or decision, but is intended to help inform the public about possible future road management planning.  The final Travel Analysis Report, which documents the travel analysis process is now available.  more...

Features

2015 Forest Plan

Faye Krueger, Regional Forester for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Northern Region, has signed the Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Kootenai National Forests’ revised Forest Plan.

The Record of Decision, 2015 Forest Plan, and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) are available on the Land and Resource Management – Planning page.


Food Storage Requirements on the Kootenai National Forest

Animal resistant food container

A food storage order signed on June 3, 2011 requires food storage and garbage practice across the Forest to reduce the potential for human-wildlife encounters.

Quick Links

Alerts & Warnings

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Highlights

  • Forest Plans Amendments Proposed Action

    Amendment to incorporate relevant direction from the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy into the forest plans for the Helena, Kootenai, Lewis and Clark, and Lolo National Forests:

    The Forest Service published the draft amendments and draft EIS on May 27, 2016. The 120 day comment period begins on June 3rd. More information about how to comment and documents can be found on the Forest Plan Amendments page.

  • Weed Free Forage
    It is a violation of rule (FS) and law (State of Montana) to utilize forage or mulch materials that contain the seeds of noxious weeds.
  • Protect Your Forest
    Report crime on your National Forest or Grassland using this form.