The Russell Creek overlook on the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (Wyo. Highway 296) has a new interpretive sign.

Members of the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and employees of the Wapiti Ranger District of the Shoshone National Forest recently installed a sign describing the impacts of the spruce budworm and subsequent forest management.

“This beautiful location gives views of the Clarks Fork River and the recent timber harvest prescribed to remove dead and dying trees,” said Frank Roth, a member of the Society of American Foresters.

A short wheelchair accessible trail will be constructed to access the sign from the parking area.

Forest management encourages healthy forest ecosystems, including soil, plant life, watersheds and wildlife. Management occurs for a variety of reasons including: Providing wood fiber products to industry, decreasing fuels accumulation/wildfire hazard and increasing recreation opportunities. Other reasons include improving watershed conditions and wildlife habitat; increasing plant diversity and foliage for range management and scenic viewing opportunities. They are “the puzzle pieces to overall forest health,” according to a news release.

The Society of American Foresters is a national nonprofit of natural resource professionals that promotes scientific management of forest resources for the greatest good, for the greatest number, for the long run. The society and the Shoshone plan to install two more interpretive signs along the Chief Joseph highway over the next two years.