Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Julie King has signed an order to require 150 foot setbacks from cross-country ski trails around Lake Como.

Fish Wildlife and Parks spokeswoman Vivaca Crowser says a local trapper had set numerous wolf traps near popular ski trails groomed by the Como Trails Club, raising concern from winter recreationists. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) interviewed the man on Thursday who posted signs saying that wolf traps may be set along heavily used ski trails near Lake Como.

The order will require a minimum 150-foot setback for all traps set along roads and trails within the Como ski area. This is the same setback that’s required along all roads/trails on federal and state lands under the Montana wolf trapping regulations. Even though trappers can legally set their traps 150-feet off the Como ski trails, the Forest Service and FWP are asking them to “voluntarily” select a different location.

Crowser says there will be a special meeting for recreationists to learn more about traps and how to release a domestic animal if they become trapped. The class will January 17th at 6:30 p.m. at the Fish Wildlife and Parks office on Spurgin Road in Missoula.

FWP spokeswoman Vivaca Crowser

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