Bear Creek Council

Stop the Jardine Logging Project

The Forest Service's Bear Palmer "Forest Health" Project would commercially log about 2,100 acres of the forests around Jardine, including 824 acres of clearcuts, and build nearly 17 miles of temporary roads in the Eagle, Bear, Palmer and Crevice Creek drainages. It is being fast-tracked under an emergency designation that removes the usual objection process.

Bear Creek Council has led the community response:

• Brought nearly 100 neighbors to the January 2026 public meeting with the Forest Service
• Submitted a community response to the proposed treatment plan
• Filed a 24-point comment letter in May 2026 on clearcutting, wildfire risk to homes, grizzly bears and lynx, recreation, and roadless areas

Where it stands: The comment period closed June 1, 2026. We are waiting on the Forest Service's final Environmental Assessment and decision.

Visit JardineLogging.com Read our comment letter

Our Mission & History

Based in Gardiner, Montana, on the edge of Yellowstone National Park, we work closely with park rangers and local citizens to conserve and protect the integrity of our environment and community.

Since 1983, Bear Creek Council has been a grassroots force in the Gardiner Basin. Our work includes:

• Living with Wildlife: We actively supported the reinstatement of wolf hunting quotas in units bordering the Park to protect the population.
• Greening Gardiner: We brought solar energy to the Gardiner Basin, installing 24 solar panels on the Gardiner School.
• Community Connection: For nearly 30 years, we have hosted the Jardine Ski Run, highway cleanups, and the Wild and Scenic Film Festival.
• Mining Oversight: We have worked for decades to minimize the impact of hard rock mining on the Bear Creek and Yellowstone boundary.

Join Bear Creek Council

Our strength comes from our members. Join us to help protect the unique environment and community of the Gardiner Basin.

Leadership

Community Organizer: Bea Frissell