Environment
Fire causing long term damage for Blackfeet Nation


The Red Eagle Fire is slowing in force but it has already caused long term damage for the Blackfeet Nation of Montana.

The fire has destroyed cattle grazing lands and a winter range for elk. Timber stands that are a source of revenue for the tribe were burned.

"There's a huge effect on the Blackfeet," Sheriff Wayne Dusterhoff told The Missoulian. "A lot of livestock forage is burned up. The timber's burning. The tribe has suffered a huge long-term loss."

The blaze has burned more than 25,000 acres, with about 14,500 acres on the resevation. It is about 20 percent contained.

Get the Story:
St. Mary hopes to reopen Wednesday night (The Missoulian 8/2)
Park terrain hampers firefighters (The Great Falls Tribune 8/2)
Glacier fire grows; ains made near Livingston (AP 8/2)
Schweitzer views Glacier fire (The Great Falls Tribune 8/2)

Relevant Links:
Blackfeet Nation - http://www.blackfeetnation.com

Related Stories:
Fire continues to burn on Blackfeet Reservation (8/1)