Some camps in Montana are closing due to the month's major floods.
“The East Rosebud has significant road damage throughout the drainage,” said Mariah Leuschen-Lonergan, the public affairs specialist with the U.S. Forest Service, reported KTVQ News.
According to KTVQ News, the U.S. Forest Service expects popular campgrounds near Red Lodge to be closed the entire summer. Woodbine, Jimmy Joe and East Rosebud campgrounds are also expected to remain closed for the year.
The roads, bridges and parking lot areas suffered substantial damage due to the flooding.
Additionally, since accidental fires on public lands is increasing with summer temperatures, according to officials with the U.S. Forest Service, they raised the fire danger in the Bitterroot Forest from “low” to “moderate.”
“There’s just a cliff now where the road used to be. And that... was the moment where I think we realized, oh gosh, we really are not getting out of here any time soon,” said Nicole Oshea, who was evacuated from the East Rosebud campground, reported KTVQ News.
According to KTVQ News, the overall flood damage to Forest Service campgrounds, trails and recreation facilities is about $20 million. The Forest Service wants to pay some of that damage through the Federal Highways Program.
“Our initial estimates are about $5.7 million is what we are going to submit,” said Leuschen-Lonergan, reported KTVQ News. However, there are campgrounds near Red Lodge that are ready to be open.
“The Palisades Campground is one that is open…the district also anticipates opening Basin Campground later this week,” Leuschen-Lonergan added, reported KTVQ News.
Those planning camping trips are urged to contact the district office at 406-446-2103 to check if a campground is open and safe, reported KTVQ News.
