Bitterroot National Forest

1801 N. 1st Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-7100

NEWS RELEASE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tod McKay
Public Affairs Officer
(406) 363-7122
(406) 531-1130 – cell
May 16, 2011

PUBLIC INVITED TO GRAND OPENING AT LAKE COMO ON SATURDAY

Hamilton, MT. – The Darby Ranger District on the Bitterroot National Forest is hosting a “grand opening” this
Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 10 a.m. to noon of the newly renovated Group Site area at Lake Como. This is
the first opportunity for the public to tour the area since it closed last fall for major renovations. New additions
include a beautiful wood pavilion, restrooms, picnic tables, group fire ring, additional parking and more. A
ribbon cutting to dedicate the new and improved area is scheduled at 11 a.m. Snacks and beverages will be
provided.

Another highlight of the day will be the official “announcement” of the site’s new name. The Forest ran a
contest in April inviting the public to submit potential names for the new Group Site and renovated
Campground at Lake Como – scheduled to open later this summer. Along with their entries, each person was
encouraged to submit 2-3 sentences describing why their name was the perfect choice for Lake Como’s new
attractions. Each entry was judged on how well it incorporated the history, scenery, recreational opportunities
and wildlife native to the area. The winners will receive a 2011 season pass to Lake Como, good for free
entrance and access to all day-use areas including swimming, boating and hiking.

The new Group Site is now available for the public to reserve for events. It can accommodate groups as large
as 75 people. Until now, there was not a location at Lake Como to accommodate larger groups, family
gatherings, weddings, reunions etc. For more information or to reserve your date contact the Darby Ranger
District at (406) 821-3913.

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What: “Grand Opening” of Group Site at Lake Como

When: Saturday, May 21, 2011 – 10 a.m. to Noon (ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.)

Where: Lake Como Recreation Site - Darby Ranger District

Directions: Located 4 miles north of Darby. Turn off Highway 93 and travel west on Lake
Como Road for 3.5 miles to recreation area and follow signs to Group Site area.

-more--
Both projects were funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Forest
received ARRA funding for numerous projects to help enhance access to recreational opportunities, improve
efficiency of use, provide for visitor safety, and address maintenance and facilities issues.

The Lake Como Recreation Area is the most utilized recreation site in the entire Northern Rockies Region of
the Forest Service. It is the only designated Forest Service High Impact Recreation Area in Montana, northern
Idaho and portions of North and South Dakota and is visited by more than 100,000 people annually. The area is
extremely popular with boaters, horseback riders, mountain bikers, hikers, day users, campers, and x-country
skiers.
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