By David Atkins, President Montana Forest Owners Assocation

Headshot of David Atkins in a dark blue polo.

The MFOA continues to actively protect the interests of forest landowners at both the state and federal government levels. Being in the off year for the Montana legislative session doesn’t mean work on issues is static.

The Montana DNRC has established a position to serve as the coordinator for the Montana Prescribed Fire Council. This council will operate under the auspices of the Montana Forest Action Council. This winter a charter and bylaws will be developed, and I have volunteered to be part of that process. Our board has had several good discussions about the use of prescribed burning and we believe it is important our voice is at the table.

Another topic we have been engaged in is fire insurance for homes and property, participating in a couple of discussion meetings with Fire Safe Montana. The meetings have included insurance representatives, fire departments, emergency management representatives, individuals, and the state Auditor’s office. Anecdotally we are hearing about people being dropped by their insurance companies and having difficulty finding replacement coverage. The concern we are raising is if decisions are being made based on geographic location rather than the risk of the land or home. Additional meetings are planned and MFOA will continue to stay involved in the process.

Another purpose of MFOA is education and awareness. Our grant from the Montana Forest Collaboration Network for a survey of private forest owners in Montana was completed with substantial assistance from MSU Extension. The survey focused on owners’ knowledge of the danger from wildfires, what treatments they have conducted, their understanding of fuels treatments to reduce the intensity and severity of wildfires, whether they are interested in, and what type of training they need, to help them reduce their wildfire risk. The results are presented in a separate article.

We are planning a couple of future webinars on: conservation easements and prescribed burning, liability and responsibility.

I participated in a webinar focused on the role of private landowners in collaborative cross-boundary management. One of the significant survey results was that three-quarters of owners are interested in participating in planning such activities. The webinar can be accessed through the Montana Forest Collaborative Network’s website.

The Board of Directors of MFOA is energized and engaged in looking out for the interests of private forest owners. If you want to make a difference and speak up for your rights and responsibilities as a forest landowner in Montana, please consider joining us for only $25 per year. Thanks for your support. Enroll online here: www.montanaforestowners.org