Governor Gianforte Announces State Topped Forest Management Goals for Second Consecutive Year

State treated 31,000 forested acres in 2022, nearly tripling 2020 total

• February 23 2023

HELENA, Mont. – Together with Amanda Kaster, director of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the State of Montana increased active forest management in 2022, nearly tripling the number of forested acres treated in 2020.

“Creating healthier, more resilient Montana forests through active management is one of our top priorities, and DNRC continues to deliver results for the people of Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ve made incredible progress over the last two years to increase the pace and scale of forest management in Montana, and we’re not done yet.”

In 2022, DNRC placed over 31,000 forested acres under active management. Since Gov. Gianforte took office in 2021, the state has treated approximately 56,000 forested acres. In 2020, the state treated approximately 11,000 forested acres.

Management projects include mechanical treatments, such as thinning or logging, prescribed fire, and forest restoration.

To increase the state’s pace and scale of active forest management, the governor’s Budget for Montana Families invests $10 million per year in forest management.

“Addressing the forest health crisis in Montana will take investments, and I’m proud our budget makes those investments,” the governor said.

Cross-boundary agreements on federal, state, and private land continue to drive management to protect Montana communities and natural resources from the increasing risk of catastrophic wildfire and other forest health issues.

DNRC also uses a variety of programs and authorities, including Trust Lands Management, Good Neighbor Authority, the Montana Forest Action Plan, and state and private forestry funding, to improve and expand active forest management across Montana.

“Montana remains a leader in setting the example for cross-boundary projects and cooperation to reach our forest management goals,” said DNRC Director Amanda Kaster. “Forest management is a top priority for DNRC, and we look forward to expanding our partnerships to continue this important work.”

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