MISSOULA, MT — A federal funding freeze has created significant challenges for the forest products industry and forest managers across the nation, with Montana being no exception. The halt in federal funds is directly impacting vital programs designed for fuel mitigation and wildfire prevention, leaving many stakeholders uncertain about the future of their projects.
According to Erik Warrington, stewardship program manager for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the freeze has already affected approximately 30 contractors, with the number expected to rise as the state moves into the spring season and approaches its typical annual burn cycle. Contractors, landowners, and workers involved in forest management are all feeling the consequences of the funding halt.
Currently, an estimated $13 million in federal funds are frozen, impacting a variety of projects across the state. Much of this funding supports fuel mitigation efforts on both public and private lands, a program that has historically played a crucial role in reducing wildfire risks.
Dave Atkins, former president of the Montana Forest Owners Association, emphasized the importance of these treatments, noting that the treatments performed on areas like Seeley Lake, where the Collt fire occurred a few years ago, have proven effective in altering fire behavior. These treatments allow fire suppression teams to manage blazes more effectively and keep them from spreading uncontrollably. Without continued treatment efforts, Atkins warned, the risk of dangerous wildfires would increase.
Private contractors in the state are also struggling with the uncertainty caused by the freeze. Gordy Sanders, chair of the Montana Forest Products Roundtable, explained that contractors rely on federal funds to operate, and the freeze has left them unsure about whether they can complete their work. As a result, many contractors are holding back from proceeding with projects, further delaying essential fuel mitigation work.
At a recent meeting, staff members from Montana’s federal representatives, including U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy and U.S. Representative Troy Downing, expressed their support for the forest industry. However, Downing’s staff member emphasized that the Representative is focused on addressing waste, fraud, and abuse in the funding process. Despite these assurances, none of the staff members had information on when the funds might be released.
The ongoing freeze continues to strain Montana’s forest industry, threatening the safety of local communities and the health of the state’s forests. The uncertainty surrounding the timeline for the unfreezing of federal funds leaves many in the industry anxious about their ability to protect Montana’s landscapes from devastating wildfires.
