BLM issues temporary closure of North Hills Recreation Area
BUTTE, Mont. — The Bureau of Land Management’s Butte Field Office has issued a temporary closure of the North Hills Recreation Area in Lewis and Clark County to ensure public safety during fuel reduction work.
The closure takes effect April 1, 2026, and will remain in place until rescinded. The closure applies to specific public lands within Township 11N Range 3W Section 02 and Township 12N Range 3W Sections 27, 34, and 35. Under the closure order, entering or using the area, including for general day use or overnight camping, is prohibited.
Heavy equipment will be operating in the area, and the closure is intended to prevent public hazards and for the protection of recreationists. The BLM will post notices at main entry points, and maps of the affected area will be available at the Butte Field Office.
The North Hills Fuels Reduction Project involves treating approximately 900 acres of conifer stands to open the forest canopy and remove dead and down materials. This will ultimately reduce the amount of fuel in the forest, improving public and firefighter safety.
For more information, contact the BLM Butte Fiel Office at 406-533-7661.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.