Governor Gianforte, DNRC Announce Tri-Forest Management Plan with Forest Service

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte and The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) today announced the U.S. Forest Service finalized a plan to establish the Montana Tri-Forest Federal Sustained-Yield Unit management plan to continue state and federal partnerships to support the timber industry and improve forest health.

"This is a key step to strengthen forest management and the infrastructure we rely on to keep our forests healthy and resilient," Gov. Gianforte said. "A reliable timber supply supports good-paying jobs, keeps local mills running, and improves our ability to manage forests. Thanks to Chief Schultz and the Forest Service for their forward-thinking leadership."

Gov. Gianforte speaking alongside DNRC Director Amanda Kaster (left) and Forest Service Chief Schultz (right) before signing a historic Shared Stewardship Agreement in Helena in June 2025

The sustained-yield unit spans the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, Custer Gallatin, and Helena-Lewis and Clark national forests where leadership from these forests will work together to advance forest health through timber harvests that will be processed within the boundaries of the unit. The agreement is expected to produce a planned combined volume offer of 300 to 500 million board feet of timber in the first 10-year action period.

During an event held last week in Missoula, DNRC Director Amanda Kaster joined Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to sign the management plan and identify the coordination among the three participating national forests, local governments, industry partners, and community members to sustain forest products, recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat, and the economic benefits tied to healthy, functioning forests.

"Healthy forests and healthy wood products infrastructure go hand in hand," said DNRC Director Amanda Kaster. "When the processing capacity needed to utilize timber from restoration and fuel reduction work is maintained, it creates stronger outcomes for forest health and wildfire risk reduction."

While the Sustained-Yield Unit is a Forest Service-led initiative, the announcement aligns with the state's broader partnership with the Forest Service to manage our forests and reduce wildfire risk. In 2025, Montana and the Forest Service signed a Shared Stewardship Agreement to advance coordinated, cross-boundary forest management intended to accelerate restoration and reduce wildfire risk statewide.

DNRC partners with the Forest Service through the Good Neighbor Authority program to manage and restore federal lands more efficiently, while also supplying timber to support Montana's forest products industry and reinvesting revenue into future restoration and management projects.

"Our Good Neighbor Authority program has proven to be an effective and reliable way to increase capacity, move projects forward, and support federal forest management goals," Director Kaster added. "It remains a consistent and integrated part of forest management across landscapes and is central to our partnership with the Forest Service."

The signed Montana Tri-Forest Federal Sustained-Yield Unit management plan can be viewed here .

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