Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Statewide Forest Management Plan

Abstract

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is responsible for managing approximately 150,000 acres of forested land across 36 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).  Since 2009, Montana’s legislature has passed several bills prescribing forest management on these lands and requiring FWP to adopt forest management plans. Work is progressing towards developing a statewide forest management plan. FWP is proposing a forest management plan that employs a “filter” approach with emphasis on conserving biodiversity.  Our premise is that implementing this approach will provide sustainable habitat conditions for the variety of species endemic to these forests.