The following is a news release from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
OLNEY, Mont. — The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) requests the public temporarily refrain from using East Smith Road and the surrounding area.
The East Smith Road is located north of Whitefish and stretches from East Lakeshore Road to the southeast corner of Smith Lake. For the safety of the contractors and the public, the East Smith area is closed to recreation while a new road is being constructed.
The new road, connecting to East Smith Road, is being constructed for forest management access and to provide access for three adjacent neighboring parcels. The road closure will remain in effect until Aug. 1, 2024, or completion of the project.
The DNRC’s Forestry and Trust Lands Division manage 5.2 million acres of state trust land across Montana. Through programs including sustainable forestry, agriculture, grazing and energy leasing, the land generates millions of dollars annually for K-12 public schools and other state institutions. Montana’s state trust lands are a vital component of local economies and provide additional benefits including recreational opportunities.
For more information about recreational use on state trust land, visit: https://dnrc.mt.gov/recreation
