Managing public forest lands in Montana often has been a contentious and raucous process that threatens to paralyze on-the-ground decisions, block good intentions, and prevent constructive work from being accomplished.
The lack of productivity and trust is especially frustrating as many local communities are experiencing times of economic uncertainty and there is a growing opportunity for beneficial restoration work in our forests.
Fortunately, we believe good news is on the horizon. The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Project (BCSP) -- a collaborative effort by local Montanans including the wood products industry, outfitters, recreation groups, and conservationists -- would create 45-50 new jobs in the woods, promote forest restoration, advance renewable energy development, and protect Montana's backcountry and wilderness traditions.
The Blackfoot Clearwater proposal shows there can be a different, better way of doing things. We believe the project's balanced approach to the economy and conservation will have tremendous benefits to restore our forests and benefit Montana's rural way of life. Now we need Congress to help us cross the finish line.
Two years in the making, the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Project builds on the same cooperative spirit as other successful projects such as the Blackfoot Challenge, the Forest Service’s work in Seeley Lake, and the Montana Forest Restoration Committee. The project also is entirely consistent with the Lolo National Forest management plan.
The BCSP involves the 400,000-acre Seeley Lake Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest within the Blackfoot watershed as well as lands within the public-private 41,000-acre Blackfoot Community Conservation Area and envisions restoration, sustainable forestry, and a biomass project in Seeley Lake, as well as additions to the Bob Marshall-Scapegoat and Mission Mountain Wilderness totaling 87,000 acres.
A detailed economic analysis completed last month shows that the BCSP would provide a variety of direct economic impacts annually to local communities and businesses: including 45-50 new jobs, increased small business income, and at least $1.2 million in new wages - while continuing long-term benefits to the region from healthier lands, cleaner water, better habitat, and continuing or improved recreation opportunities.
Developing the proposal took time, compromise, and commitment, but eventually a diverse group of Montanans rolled up our sleeves, wiped our brows, and had a product everyone could support. Work group members have presented the BCSP proposal throughout western Montana to seek out local input and suggestions.
Through this process we have secured valuable support, including letters from all three county commissions with land in the proposed area: Missoula, Powell, and Lewis and Clark.
We also have secured support from local advisory councils, national organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, local outfitters and snowmobile clubs, timber groups, conservation organizations, and local landowners.
Supporters have commended the proposal as a balanced public-private partnership developed by Montanans from many walks of life who are interested in collectively figuring out the best way to get the right things done on the ground for the right reasons.
By comparison, until recently contention and gridlock all too often have been the hallmarks of public lands debate in Montana. We believe BCSP can help break this trend and serve as a model for future successful collaborative projects in Montana and across the country.
To that end, Blackfoot Clearwater supporters now are asking Montana's congressional delegation to support this innovative, collaborative, and non-controversial proposal that will create jobs, restore our forests, and maintain and enhance our traditional way of life.
The strong local support for the project, coupled with its relatively modest size, also makes BCSP a good "test case" for Congress to pass this year as a pilot for future efforts.
Montana, historically a leader in forestry, can once again show the way by providing a model for successful, cooperative land-management on public lands.
Gordy Sanders is Resource Manager for Pyramid Mountain Lumber and Scott Brennan works for The Wilderness Society. Learn more about the Blackfoot-Clearwater Stewardship Project here.
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