The ruling n concerning the appropriate level of analysis and discretion that should be given to the U.S. Forest Service n has provoked a variety of readings. Is the ruling good for our communities and our forests? Is it bad? Is it a landmark decision, or insignificant? Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain among most Montanans: We share a common goal of making collaboration rather than litigation the model for future work in our forests.
On behalf of the Montana Forest Restoration Committee n a diverse group representing environmental, timber, conservation, snowmobiling, ATV, state and federal agencies, and other recreation interests n we believe there is a new, promising, “Made in Montana” spirit of collaboration and restoration thriving in our state today. From Milltown Dam to Montana’s legacy forests, restoration is emerging as a unifying force, bridging old divides and unifying Montanans around our common values.
These projects are the result of a successful yearlong effort by the MFRC to develop consensus around 13 key restoration principles, which are based on science with the goal of accelerating ecological recovery while enhancing the economic and social well-being of communities in and near Montana’s national forests.
We are pleased to see the Lolo Restoration Committee making good progress toward implementation of the restoration principles on four different projects and we are hopeful that the Bitterroot Restoration Committee will continue making progress toward choosing a project as well. In its most recent action, the Lolo Restoration Committee has spent time on the ground near Seeley Lake, working to encourage forest restoration and active management near this rural community that was threatened by the Jocko Lakes fire last summer.
Our vision provides the hope that a common “zone of agreement” framed in the agreed-upon restoration principles not only will stand the test of time but, indeed, expand n building a bigger middle ground while reducing conflict and litigation in the process. By working directly and collaboratively with the Forest Service on specific projects, we hope to implement in a more timely way, with far fewer lawsuits. We are greatly encouraged by the Forest Service’s embracing of these principles and by the positive attitude displayed by all parties involved in implementing these principles.
Past conflicts notwithstanding, Montanans today are coming together to restore our forests and, in the process, protect clean water, reduce fire risk, protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, create jobs and preserve our way of life. Indeed, the recent 9th Circuit ruling only reinforces the need for Montanans to continue working toward a balanced approach to managing our forest resources. That’s a consensus we all can stand behind.
Marnie Criley, with Wildlands CPR, is chair of the Lolo Restoration Committee. Gordy Sanders, with Pyramid Mountain Lumber, is co-chair of the Montana Forest Restoration Steering Committee. To learn more, go to www.montanarestoration.org.
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