Governor touts effort to streamline small-scale forestry work

A ceremonial signing of HB 79 took place last week at Big Sky Forest Products in St. Regis.

The bill, officially signed into law in March, amends existing Montana law regarding fire hazard reduction agreements, specifically targeting small-scale activities. It introduces new definitions, including "small-scale activity," which is defined as activities involving the sale of forest products that do not exceed two log truck loads or 10,000 board feet. 

Additionally, the bill clarifies that activities generating a "minimum slash hazard" may include harvesting sawlogs or firewood, and it requires a written exemption from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation if forest products are sold.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the conditions under which activities that create a minimum slash hazard are exempt from the provisions of the fire hazard reduction agreement. Previously, such activities were exempt if a minimum slash hazard would be created; now, they require a written exemption if forest products are sold, while remaining exempt if no products are sold. 

This change aims to streamline the process for small-scale forest product activities while ensuring that fire hazards are managed appropriately.

“Marc (Vessar) with DNRC wrote the bill and I massaged it to double the amount to two truckloads, or 10,000 pounds that would be exempt,” explained Rep. Curtis Cochran, R-St. Regis, who carried the bill. 

“The HRA [Hazard Reduction Act] has been in Montana for a long time. If you’re selling logs to a sawmill, you have to have an agreement with the state DNRC where a state forester comes and inspects your project to make sure you have all of the brush taken care of, before you can sell the logs to a mill. Before you even cut them down,” he clarified. “You go to the mill and get a contract to sell them your logs when the logs come to the mill, the mill pays you, but they hold back money from that load of logs until you get the brush cleaned up. With this new bill, they won’t hold back the money on the small projects. You still go through the state, but you receive an exemption instead of the normal contract where the mill holds back the money. This will be easier, quicker and put a few bucks back into his wallet.”

Gianforte said the bill also allows an increase in wood products for mills like Big Sky Forest Products. 

"This allows homeowners to clear their own land and then sell the timber off to recoup some of their costs without having to cut through all of the red tape,” he commented.

Drew Hanson with Vaagen Timbers said, “As a company we support opening up more consistent flows of timber into the mills. I know that a big goal of my bosses, or the owner of Vaagen Timber, Russ Vaagen, is helping mills get access to consistent fiber. This bill is a step in that direction.” 

“I think HB79 was a good move,” stated Angelo Ververis with Idaho Forest Group. “Anything that makes it easier for landowners to do work is a good thing.” 

Sen. Denley Loge, R-St. Regis, was also supportive. 

“We have a lot of building going on around here and this allows the homeowner to clear his land and sell the product without the hassle of the HRA and the holdback of money owed when the logs are delivered to the mill,” he commented.

All of those at the gathering were in favor of this bill and pro-timber as a staple of growth in Montana. 

“I just thank you for the leadership on this as the timber industry is critical and for us to be good stewards as we manage our forests. This will create a few more jobs and recreation opportunities while making us more wildfire resilient,” Gianforte shared. 

The governor had a tour of the facility and learned more about the company's expansion.

    Angelo Ververis, Rob and Elaine Robinson, first lady Susan Gianforte, Rep. Curtis Cochran, Mineral County Commissioner Duane Simons, Marc Vasser, Sen. Denley Loge, Gov. Greg Gianforte, Liz Thompson, Andrew Hanson, Carter Jasper, Mary and Dennis Yarnell, and Al Dunlap were all on hand for the ceremonial signing of HB 79 last week in St. Regis. (Courtesy photo)