HELENA, Mont. — The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has awarded $3.1 million to fund 13 projects to reduce wildfire risk to communities and improve forest health.
"By supporting these community-driven projects, we're not only tackling the wildfire crisis, but also safeguarding Montana's unique way of life,” said Governor Greg Gianforte. These efforts are crucial for both protecting our forests and bolstering our economy.”
Project funding comes from the State Fire Suppression Fund, which was bolstered by a significant increase in funding through House Bill 883 during the 68th Montana Legislature. The allocation dedicated $15 million annually to increase wildfire risk reduction and improve forest health through targeted fuels treatments across the state.
Aligned with the Montana Forest Action Plan, a state-wide initiative guiding collaborative forest management, funded projects require cooperation from diverse partners, including federal, state, and local agencies, private landowners, and conservation groups. This collaborative approach facilitates cross-boundary work and is projected to treat over 3,200 acres across state-owned lands, managed by the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP), and private lands. These efforts contribute to Montana's goal of accelerating the pace and scale of effective forest management across diverse land ownership types.
Each project addresses specific needs of its area including fuels reduction in the wildland urban interface, cross-boundary forest health restoration, public education, and commercial and non-commercial fuels work.
“Collaborating with local leaders on cross-boundary projects through these grants allows us to target forest fuels reduction where it benefits communities the most,” said DNRC Director Amanda Kaster. “Protecting our communities, infrastructure, and natural resources remains our top priority.”
Selected projects and general project locations include the following:
Doney Lake Forest Improvement ProjectProject Area: Powell County, Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA & Blackfoot Community Conservation Area.
East Shore Fuels Reduction Project
Project Area: Lake County, Woods Bay.
Helena Valley Fuels Project
Project Area: Lewis and Clark County, Jefferson County, Holmes Gulch area.
Butler Creek Fuels Reduction Project
Project Area: Missoula County. Butler Creek drainage.
Bitterroot Front Private Land Fuels Reduction Project
Project Area: Ravalli County, Big Creek/Bear Creek face.
South Swan Valley Fuels Reduction Project
Project Area: Missoula County, Lindberg Lake/Highway 83 corridor.
Rattlesnake Creek and Marshall Canyon Fuels Reduction and Forest Health Improvement Project
Project Area: Missoula County, communities of Missoula, and East Missoula.
Blackfoot Valley Fire Adaptation Project
Project Area: Powell County, Blackfoot River watershed.
Missoula Valley Prescribed Fire and Reforestation Project
Project Area: Missoula County, community of Missoula.
Holland Lake Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project
Project Area: Missoula County, southern Swan Valley.
Thompson/Blue Slide Resilient Forest Project
Project Area: Sanders County, Thompson Falls.
Nirada-Flathead Fuel Break Project
Project Area: Flathead and Lake County, Hubbard Reservoir to Lake Mary Ronan.
Grass Range Fuels Reduction and Landscape Restoration Project
Project Area: Fergus County, Tyler-Flatwillow area.
For more project information and updates visit the Montana Forest Action Plan webpage at https://dnrc.mt.gov/Forestry/Forest-Management/montana-forest-action-plan. Project areas may be subject to change dependent on signed agreements.
The DNRC is currently seeking proposals for projects eligible to receive grant funding to support forest management activities that improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk. Interested parties can visit dnrc.mt.gov/Forestry/Grants/ for more information on Forest Stewardship Grants and Montana Forest Action Plan Grant opportunities. Proposals are due by March 15, 2024.
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Tags: forestry grants, Grants-and-Loans and Forestry