BLM and State of Montana Expand Good Neighbor Partnership to Boost Forest Health, Community Wildfire Resilience

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte, the Bureau of Land Management Montana/Dakotas, and The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation today announced a strengthened Good Neighbor Authority partnership, aimed at improving forest and rangeland health, reducing wildfire risk, and delivering long-term benefits for communities across Montana.

"Under the Trump administration, federal agencies like the Bureau of Land Management are partnering with states to make our forests healthy again," Gov. Gianforte said. "Strengthening Montana's Good Neighbor Authority agreement with the BLM will allow us to better protect our communities, support jobs, and increase forest resiliency. I'm grateful to Director Pearce and the entire BLM for working with DNRC to protect Montana's landscape for generations to come."

"Strengthening our Good Neighbor partnership with the State of Montana advances key national priorities to improve forest and rangeland conditions, reduce wildfire risk, and support resilient communities," said BLM Director Steve Pearce. "This agreement reflects our commitment to coordinated, landscape-scale restoration that aligns federal, state, and local efforts to deliver durable results for the American people."

Gov. Gianforte, BLM Dir. Pearce (left), and DNRC Dir. Kaster (right) speaking during a press conference in Helena

Under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the agencies will expand their collaborative work to expand timber production, restore forests and watersheds, reduce hazardous fuels, and enhance wildlife habitat on public lands. The agreement builds on years of successful joint projects ranging from timber sale administration to fuels reduction and prescribed fire support, which have all been carried out since 2019 under previous Good Neighbor Authority agreements.

"This renewed partnership allows us to treat more acres, support a resilient forest industry, and better protect Montana communities from wildland fire," said Acting BLM Montana/Dakotas State Director Kim Prill. "By aligning our efforts, we can accomplish more than either agency could alone, while ensuring healthy landscapes for future generations."

The Good Neighbor Authority provides a framework for state and federal cooperation on forest and rangeland restoration. Through this expanded partnership, revenues generated from timber sales can be reinvested into project planning, restoration work, and on-the-ground improvements that directly benefit Montanans.

"Healthy, productive landscapes are built through collaboration and coordinated action across boundaries," said DNRC Director Amanda Kaster. "Working side-by-side with BLM means more tools, more capacity, and more impact as we tackle hazardous fuels and strengthen the landscapes our communities rely on."

The agreement also aligns with national priorities, including expanded timber production and interagency coordination to reduce wildfire risk.

The Treasure State continues to face rising wildfire risk and increased impacts to Montanans and their communities. At the same time, the state's forest products industry supports over 10,000 jobs and generates hundreds of millions in annual revenue. For Montanans, the strengthened BLM and DNRC partnership means more resilient forests, safer communities, sustained outdoor recreation opportunities, and continued support for local economies.

A video recording of the press conference and signing ceremony can be viewed here. A signed copy of the MOU can be viewed here.

###