Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest

With the recent nice weather following the bitter cold snap we had a couple of weeks ago, people are taking advantage of the temperatures and are getting back on our area's roads and trails. We caught up with local forester and outdoor recreationalist Jocelyn Dodge who offered some tips on what to do if you encounter wildlife and how to stay safe on your snow machines.

Fall is definitely in the air in Southwest Montana but along with the crisp mornings and imminent snowfall there are many recreation opportunities on our area's roads, trails and campsites. We had a chance to chat with local forester and outdoor enthusiast Jocelyn Dodge and she offered some helpful suggestions for anyone who wants to get outside and enjoy the changing of the seasons.

With the arrival of September comes cooler temperatures and fall colors and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities on the Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest. Local forester and outdoor enthusiast Jocelyn Dodge gave us some insight on what to expect this fall if you plan on venturing out into the woods, be it for some late-season camping, the beginning of big-game archery season or just a relaxing drive on a Southwest Montana backcountry road.

Make no mistake. It is HOT in Southwest Montana this summer. As temperature records fall across the entire country, the mercury in our neck of the woods has gone into the 90s several times already and August looks as though it could be another scorcher. However, there are areas nearby where the temperatures are a bit cooler, the air has a little more moisture, and the views are unbeatable. Southwest Montana forester and outdoor recreation expert Jocelyn Dodge has a few viable suggestions.

Local recreationalist and forester Jocelyn Dodge tells us the campsites in our area open are ready for use. "All campgrounds in the Butte area including Delmoe Lake, Beaver Dam, Lowlands, Toll Mountain and Whitehouse are now open along with campgrounds in the Georgetown Lake area," Dodge told us. "However, along with a new season comes new fees that you may find upon arrival," she added.

One of the best things about living in Montana is the availability and proximity of trails and dirt roads that are literally only minutes away on those days when you need to get away for it all and enjoy a drive in the country. Forest Service roads are in every direction as are fishing access sites and even mountain trails. With the arrival of spring comes the inevitable urge to get out and drive but local forester Jocelyn Dodge reminds us to be careful as this can be a dangerous time of year in Montana.

Forester Jocelyn Dodge offers safety tips to Southwest Montana sportsmen and women.