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Bullock creates new advisory council to examine forest and wildfire conditions

Posted at 11:51 AM, May 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-21 13:51:17-04

Governor Steve Bullock has created a new advisory council to help examine the current conditions of Montana’s forests and mitigate wildfire danger.

The Montana Forest Action Advisory Council will update Montana’s Forest Action Plan to address long-term efforts to conserve working forest lands, protect forests from harm, and enhance benefits from forests throughout the state.

Council members include timber industry officials, conservationists, and representatives from local, state, federal, and tribal agencies.

“We can and we must work together for the well-being of our forests and to reduce wildland fire risk,” stated Governor Bullock. “I’m confident that through these new partnerships we can protect our outdoor recreational opportunities, wildlife and fisheries habitat for a diverse range of species, drinking water supplies and soil health, all while treating more acres on the ground and investing in priority areas around the state.”

The group will look at statewide forest conditions and identify priority areas for treatment.

Its final report will be delivered to the governor in the fall of 2020.