Bug Creek Integrated Resource Management Project area is approximately 35,675 acres and lies on the east and west sides of Crane Mountain, between Flathead Lake and Swan Lake. This project area is within Lake County and is located roughly two miles southeast of Bigfork, Montana, east of Flathead Lake, west of Highway 83, and northwest of Swan River State Forest.

The purpose of the Bug Creek Integrated Resource Management Project (hereafter referred to as Bug Creek or project) is to move the project area towards the desired conditions defined by the 2018 Flathead National Forest Land Management Plan (Forest Plan). The difference between the existing condition and the desired condition creates a need for management action on the ground. The purposes for the Bug Creek Project are identified below, which compel the need for action.
        • Reduce fire behavior near communities within the wildland-urban interface to facilitate safer, more effective wildland fire operations.
        • Improve the diversity and resilience of forest vegetative communities and associated wildlife habitat.
        • Provide quality outdoor recreation opportunities.
The new trail system will create or designate approximately 17 miles of non-motorized trails to the National Forest Trail System for management and maintenance. 

In 2024 FAMB formerly began partnership with the USFS on the Bug Creek Project System Trails, which includes first of its kind of in the Flathead National Forest - 5.3 miles of mountain bike specific trails, as well as 9.8 miles of new multiuse singletrack!

Check out this article on Singletracks.com about the project and stay tuned to our socials for volunteer opportunities!