Forests in bad shape - an update from Senator Fielder

As Montana’s study of federal lands kicked off this summer, we began by surveying counties across the state to identify significant problems and concerns associated with federal land management. We have heard from quite a few resource specialists, federal employees, and citizens too. This is a big issue that affects all Montanans in one way or another – from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the power that keeps our lights on, to the way we use and enjoy public lands, and so much more.

Earlier this month United States Forest Service (USFS) administrators provided testimony to the Montana legislature’s Environmental Quality Council (EQC) confirming that federally managed lands are in worse condition today than they were 50 years ago, and that the Forest Service budget is now primarily dedicated to fighting lawsuits and fighting wildfires instead of providing healthy, sustainable supplies of timber and water in accordance with the purpose for which the forest service was created. The current system is obviously not working to meet their goals or ours.

Take the 10 Mile watershed for example. A few weeks ago, Montana legislators accompanied USFS personnel on a tour of the national forest near Helena in which 95% of the trees are dead. This is a critical watershed containing high mountain lakes that supply Helena’s drinking water. Helena’s important water sources now lie dangerously in the midst of thousands of acres of dead trees.

With all this dry tinder surrounding their lakes, and an average of 30-50 lightning caused fires ignited each day throughout the summer, dead forests are at unusually high risk of intense fire. If this one burns, Helena’s water supply will be severely disrupted, not only by fire, but by the long lasting aftermath of mud, ash, and debris that will wash off the mountainsides and fill their lakes, canals, and water lines with silt after every heavy rainfall for years to come. It could take millions of dollars and decades of time before Helena’s water system can be cleaned up and this area of the forest can be restored to a healthy, functional watershed again.

The main culprit in the 10 Mile area is an infestation of Pine Bark Beetle. Large populations of these destructive insects are known to proliferate in dense stands of timber, especially where crowded trees compete with each other for water, nutrients, and space. Such overcrowding weakens the trees and makes them especially vulnerable to injury, pests, and disease.

Selective logging which thins out dense stands and diversifies the age class would have made this forest much healthier and more capable of resisting wildfires and pest infestations. Why this was not done and what we can do to protect the health and safety of public forests, especially within critical watersheds and near utilities, is being thoroughly examined as part of SJ 15, Montana’s study of federal land management.

In addition to numerous watersheds at risk throughout the state, we found that thousands of miles of power lines and other utilities are also at risk. In a recent meeting with our state Public Service Commission, the U.S. Forest Service reported nearly 1,000 miles of electrical transmission lines are in danger on National Forests in Montana due to unmanaged vegetation on federal lands. Roads, bridges, and other utilities are at risk as well.

The forest Service’s desire to use logging to reduce fire hazards in these areas is inhibited by federal policies and environmentalist’s lawsuits which constantly obstruct the forest service’s ability to their job. The national deficit and a steeply declining federal budget which emphasizes fighting fires instead of reducing fire hazard is also a major impediment.

The list of concerns and problems resulting from federal land management policies is long. But I am finding the list of barriers preventing good management is relatively short. Overcoming those barriers is the focus of SJ 15. This study has only just begun, and details will be forthcoming as we dig deeper. Just know several colleagues and I are committed to identifying the major concerns and seeking all the necessary solutions. we are communicating with counterparts all over the nation, and welcome any thoughts you may have on the subject as well.

If you would like to share your ideas, please email me at: sen.jfielder@legmt.gov