Forestry
Restoring forest health and reducing wildfire risk in and around local communities
In the Blackfoot, we live in a fire-adapted ecosystem. Historically, fires burned through lower elevation forests approximately every 10 to 40 years. These low-intensity fires typically killed only small trees and consumed litter and duff on the forest floor, clearing the way for fire resistant trees like ponderosa pine and western larch to thrive. Fire suppression over the last 100 years has led to forests that are overgrown, unhealthy, and susceptible to large wildfires. With many people now living in forested areas, these conditions pose a threat to community safety. The goal of the Forestry Committee is to work with private landowners to reduce wildfire risk near homes and communities while restoring forests to historic conditions.
Inset photo: Claire Dibble
Additional Information about Forest Health
Click on any of the resources to learn more about forest management and stewardship.
Living in the Forest
The forests we live in are prone to wildfire. As a steward, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the potential for property damage while also increasing the health of your forest.
Landowner Assistance
Our Forestry & Prescribed Fire Coordinator can support you with hands-on knowledge, assistance, and grant funding to accomplish your forest health and wildfire risk reduction goals.
Post-Treatment Maintenance
Maintenance tips for landowners who have already participated in our fuels reduction program.
Prescribed Fire
Learn about our work to support prescribed fire as a land management, maintenance, and restoration tool across public and private lands in the Blackfoot watershed.
Forest Health Resources
Explore a variety of information on how to identify the bugs and diseases that may impact the health of your forest, such as spruce budworm, mountain pine beetle, or root disease.
400
Acres Treated
Annually
110
Landowners Received
Funding To-Date
21
Local Contractors
Supported
2100
Forested Private Acres
Treated To-Date