State of Montana Newsroom
Gov. Gianforte Presents Annual Forest Products Award to Stoltze Lumber
COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. – Governor Gianforte today presented his annual Forest Products Award to the F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company team at their Columbia Falls office in recognition of their commitment to active forest management and the production of Montana wood products.
“For over a century, Stoltze Lumber has exhibited a strong commitment to actively managing our forests, creating good paying jobs, and supporting the surrounding community,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I am proud to recognize the company and its team members for their dedication to sustainable forestry and a strong perseverance to succeed in the timber industry.”
Gov. Gianforte presenting his annual Forest Products Award at Stoltze Lumber in Columbia Falls
For over 100 years, Stoltze Lumber has operated in the Flathead Valley and currently employs over 125 Montanans. The company was recognized with the Governor’s Forest Products Award for its century-long commitment to sustainable forestry, community outreach, and innovation in renewable energy.
The company practices active forest management, including sustainable harvest practices, stewardship of 40,000 acres of timberland, and operation of a biomass co-generation facility that powers up to 3,000 homes, exemplifying their dedication to Montana’s forests, economy, and rural communities. Stoltze is one of the few remaining fully integrated forest products companies left in the northwest, meaning they own and manage timberland and operate a sawmilling facility.
The honorees of the award included Stoltze Lumber Vice President and General Manager Paul McKenzie.
“Congratulations to F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Company on this well-deserved award. Their philosophy of ‘Healthy Forests, Healthy Families, Healthy Communities’ perfectly captures their longstanding commitment to being good neighbors and partners in managing the health of Montana’s forests,” said Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Director Amanda Kaster.
Gov. Gianforte’s Forest Products Award recognizes an outstanding person or entity for their work to actively manage Montana forests, responsibly develop forested resources, and promote the use of Montana wood products.
Last week, the governor recognized October 19 to 25 as Montana Forest Products week to promote the forest products industry and highlight its many contributions to Montana. The proclamation may be viewed here.
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