The Gallatin National Forest has withdrawn its Lonesome Wood Vegetation Management Project Decision to further analyze the project's effects on grizzly bears given the species' recent relisting as an endangered species.

The project is located 12 miles northwest of West Yellowstone along the Hebgen Lake Road. The vegetation removal would reduce fire danger near residences. It would also reduce vegetation along the Hebgen Lake Road evacuation route by thinning trees and removing dead and down fuel. The project would also help maintain and enhance aspen stands.

The decision called for about 3,100 acres of treatment including thinning, slashing and burning. Withdrawing the decision will allow the Forest Service to refine the project to meet the requirements now in place for grizzly bears under the Endangered Species Act.