WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz signed the Montana Tri-Forest Federal Sustained-Yield Unit management plan that will support economic stability, strengthen central Montana’s wood processing capacity and advance forest health though timber harvests that will be processed within the boundaries of the unit.  

The Tri-Forest unit includes the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, Custer Gallatin and Helena-Lewis and Clark national forests. Leadership from these forests will work together to provide forest products that support local economic stability, strengthen central Montana’s wood-processing capacity and advance forest health in alignment with existing forest plans.  

“Our focus is restoring and sustaining the ability of forests to provide the services that people want and need. This mission is more critical than ever, and the forest products industry is a partner among many to help us achieve our healthy forest goals,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “We estimate that over the first 10 years, the three forests will offer between 350-500 million board feet to local processing facilities in central Montana. That predictable supply not only helps to carry out forest restoration work but also supports local economies in an area where national forests make up a considerable part of the land base.”  

A stable wood-processing industry also supports investments in modern technologies, such as combined cogeneration systems and biochar production, while enhancing the region’s capacity to manage forests and reduce wildfire risk.  

“Establishing the sustained-yield unit reflects the collaborative work of leaders in the three central Montana forests who are committed to supporting local communities while advancing priority work on the landscape,” said Regional Forester Troy Heithecker. “This plan will help provide stability for the forest products industry in central Montana while contributing to meaningful, on-the-ground progress that reduces wildfire risk, improves forest conditions for wildlife and expands outdoor opportunities for the outdoor recreation community.”  

Visit the project website to review the plan and for more information.