Forest Service updates Carter County on Box Elder crossing, storm damage and Chalk Buttes scoping
February 28, 2026 | Carter County, Montana
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Kurt Hanson, representing the U.S. Forest Service, briefed the Carter County commissioners on infrastructure and project timelines at the Feb. 27 meeting.
Hanson said engineers reported funding for the Box Elder low‑water crossing was removed during higher‑level decisions and has not yet been restored. He encouraged the county to send a letter — addressed either to him or the forest supervisor — describing the crossing’s importance to local access so the Forest Service can pursue restoration of funds.
On storm damage, Hanson said a contract to clean up damage along roads in the Calaca Hills and Long Pine area was awarded this week; the contractor and start date were not yet finalized, but Hanson recommended beginning work where road access is better (Ekalaka Hills) if winter conditions permit.
Hanson said the Forest Service is editing the draft environmental assessment (EA) for the Chalk Buttes project and plans to meet with the state DNRC next week to confirm the timeline. He said public scoping could start in March and offered to provide monthly in‑person updates while the county reviews project materials. Hanson discussed the possibility of cooperating‑agency status; he said cooperating status is more commonly requested for larger EIS efforts but counties may still ask for it during an EA, and he offered to help the county understand the options.
Commissioners and members of the public raised safety concerns about an unraveling apron at a crossing and emphasized the route’s importance for fire access. Hanson acknowledged current patching was a short‑term measure and reiterated the county’s option to submit a letter detailing local impacts.
Hanson said if the Chalk Buttes scoping proceeds, the Forest Service will provide maps and coordinate further county engagement. The commission indicated it will consider a letter of support and asked Hanson to provide contact information and mailing addresses for the forest supervisor.
Hanson said engineers reported funding for the Box Elder low‑water crossing was removed during higher‑level decisions and has not yet been restored. He encouraged the county to send a letter — addressed either to him or the forest supervisor — describing the crossing’s importance to local access so the Forest Service can pursue restoration of funds.
On storm damage, Hanson said a contract to clean up damage along roads in the Calaca Hills and Long Pine area was awarded this week; the contractor and start date were not yet finalized, but Hanson recommended beginning work where road access is better (Ekalaka Hills) if winter conditions permit.
Hanson said the Forest Service is editing the draft environmental assessment (EA) for the Chalk Buttes project and plans to meet with the state DNRC next week to confirm the timeline. He said public scoping could start in March and offered to provide monthly in‑person updates while the county reviews project materials. Hanson discussed the possibility of cooperating‑agency status; he said cooperating status is more commonly requested for larger EIS efforts but counties may still ask for it during an EA, and he offered to help the county understand the options.
Commissioners and members of the public raised safety concerns about an unraveling apron at a crossing and emphasized the route’s importance for fire access. Hanson acknowledged current patching was a short‑term measure and reiterated the county’s option to submit a letter detailing local impacts.
Hanson said if the Chalk Buttes scoping proceeds, the Forest Service will provide maps and coordinate further county engagement. The commission indicated it will consider a letter of support and asked Hanson to provide contact information and mailing addresses for the forest supervisor.
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