220 million board feet sold from Trust Lands since 2021
HELENA, Mont. — Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) placed nearly 130,000 forested acres under management since he took office.
“DNRC has demonstrated its commitment to safeguard our forests, communities, and natural resources,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The benefits of active forest management are clear and extend far beyond just protecting our forests from wildfires and disease – it creates healthier habitats for wildlife, improves water quality, and supports good-paying jobs.”
Gov. Gianforte talking with a DNRC state forester at a forest management project in Kalispell in May 2024
Since Gov. Gianforte took office in 2021, and under the leadership of Director Amanda Kaster, DNRC has shown a steady increase in the pace and scale of forest management. In the last biennium, DNRC placed over 72,000 acres under management. During the 68th Legislative Session, Gov. Gianforte signed House Bill 883 into law to boost funding to increase DNRC’s capacity for forest management projects across the state.
Cross-boundary projects and agreements on federal, state, and private land have increased the state’s active forest management practices to protect Montana communities and natural resources from an increased risk of wildfire and forest health issues. Management projects include mechanical treatments, such as thinning or logging, prescribed fire, and forest restoration.
“A strong, sustainable wood products industry is essential for effective forest management,” said DNRC Director Kaster. “Without our logging and industry partners, our ability to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health and achieve management goals is significantly hindered. DNRC is committed to supporting this industry by providing a consistent, reliable timber supply that keeps mills operating, sustains jobs, and ensures the long-term health of Montana’s forests.”
In 2024, DNRC increased state trust land annual timber sales offered to over 60 million board feet, culminating in 220 million board feet sold since 2021. An additional 85 million board feet were sold through the Good Neighbor Authority program since 2021. Harvested materials that are sold get processed through a mill and used for wood products.
Revenue from state trust land timber projects benefits trust beneficiaries such as K-12 schools. Last year, all revenue generating activities across trust lands provided approximately $374 per student.
Watch a video from Gov. Gianforte on the announcement here.
