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10/2/2007
Forest Restoration Principles Developed

An exciting new approach to restoring Montana’s forestlands is taking shape in the form of a broad coalition effort to develop Forest Restoration Principles that will find success in practical management ‘on-the-ground’.

Recognizing that the existing management process usually culminates in appeals and stalled projects, 30 very diverse Montanans sat down to hammer out a “zone of agreement” that would result in successful restoration projects. Working together, conservationists, motorized users, outfitters, loggers, mill operators, state government officials and forest service personnel, developed 13 restoration principles. These principles, based on science and community needs, were arrived at with the intent to help accelerate the ecological recovery of National Forest lands in Montana.

Three demonstration projects will immediately test these principles. The group, now known as Montana Forest Restoration Committee (MFRC), will work with the Lolo and Bitterroot National Forests to implement a new organizational structure. The structure called the Forest-level Resource Committee will be made up of diverse and knowledgeable community stakeholders that will work alongside the agencies and land managers in the early selection, design, and monitoring of restoration projects.

The complete plan rolls out the measurements for success. To view this document, as well as a list of those who participated in this nine month venture, go to www.montanarestoration.org