Introduction

The Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) was enacted one year ago, representing one component of the Bush Administration’s “Healthy Forests Initiative”, as well as many of the current management priorities for our nation’s forests. The health of these forests and the communities that depend upon them continue to be a topic of much discussion and concern. Nowhere is this issue more evident than in Montana, where more than 80% of the 22.5 million acres of forested land is at a high or moderate risk from damaging wildfires or insect and disease infestations.

Montana residents rely upon these forests for business and economic development, water for irrigation and municipal uses, recreation, and aesthetic values. It is understandable, then, that real and perceived threats to our forests should evoke much concern and controversy, as we strive to ensure that the health of our forests is maintained while providing the many diverse --- and sometimes conflicting --- demands we place upon them.

Toward the end of the last century, we began to understand the forest management challenges that we would face in the coming years. Decades of a relatively cool, wet climatic period allowed forests to expand and grow denser, while also contributing to a very successful strategy of suppressing most wildfires as soon as they started. By the end of 2003, Montanans understood all too well the effects that drought and other natural processes had on the millions of acres of forests now at risk from wildfire, insects, and disease, and the impact to state and federal budgets burdened with paying wildfire suppression costs.

Many in the U.S. Congress understood this as well, culminating in the passage of the HFRA in December 2003. Forest and fire managers, and those living adjacent to forested lands, welcomed the HFRA and its focus on forest health problems. Nonetheless, there are very different views of exactly what constitutes a “healthy forest”. To some, a healthy forest is a “well-managed” or “working” forest that maintains tree vigor, a diversity of forest types, and produces a steady supply of wood products. To others, a healthy forest is one where natural processes are allowed to dominate and economic value is derived only through non-consumptive means. Our challenge is to utilize the array of national parks, wilderness areas, and productive forestlands to meet the needs for amenities, goods, and services that our citizens demand.

Factors such as fire suppression, past climatic conditions, historic logging practices, and global warming are all emphasized as primary causes of the decline in forest health, and used by many to determine appropriate solutions. Regardless of the cause, Montanans have the ability to improve the health of our forests and maintain important ecosystems even through continued drought and climate change. We should continue to protect our national parks and wilderness areas, while recognizing the importance of managing “working” forests to maintain forest health and productivity. If we are to continue to enjoy healthy, green forests and the economic values of forest-based industries, we should practice sustainable forest management on our most productive forestlands.

As other challenges rise before us in Montana, the hope and expectations of the HFRA could diminish. Therefore, it may be useful to initiate a regular assessment of how we are faring in implementation of the intent of the HFRA on all forestlands in Montana. This report is the first of what is intended to be an annual assessment on the condition of Montana’s forests, our progress toward ensuring their continued health and viability, and how well we are sustaining the communities and businesses that depend on them. This report is generally organized to reflect the priorities within the HFRA and issues that affect the sustainability of our forest-dependent communities. It is hoped that it will prove valuable in promoting discussions on how well Montanans are meeting these challenges, and in identifying ways to do even better.

Please open the PDF below to read the complete report

Montana Healthy Forests Healthy Communities Report