Contributed by dabushnell@state.mt.us,Internet:


Date:  Oct. 26, 2001
For More Information Contact:
Dan Bushnell
DNRC Public Information Officer
406-444-0465


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



DNRC Moose Fire Salvage and Reforestation Project Update


Coal Creek State Forest, Mont.-The State's Moose Fire Salvage and
Reforestation Team is moving forward at a steady pace with its proposed
salvage and reforestation project on the Coal Creek State Forest.  The Team
is currently finalizing a proposal to salvage of approximately seven million
board feet of timber burned during the Moose Fire this winter.


The Team plans on mailing out the environmental analysis (EA) of the salvage
proposal for public review by the third of November.  A copy will also be
available for review on DNRC's web site.  According to Project Leader, Bob
Sandman, there is a lot of work that goes into completing an analysis of
this type, but the Team should have the EA published on schedule.


In addition to the EA, the team is working on several other projects,
including road rehabilitation.  "Our biggest concerns at this point are
putting in larger culverts, drain dips, rip-rap, and any other measures need
to ensure road and soil stabilization in anticipation of spring runoff,"
stated Sandman.  "In conjunction with rehabilitation work, we are also
improving and restoring surface drainage on roads in the area."


Harvesting the timber quickly ensures that the State School Trust Funds will
receive at least a portion of the timber value prior to the fire.
Additionally, harvesting timber this winter will help prevent increased bark
beetle infestations next year in trees that survived fire.  "By harvesting
the timber this winter, we can minimize delayed impacts caused by the fire
and hopefully save trees that survived from being killed by future bark
beetle attacks," stated Sandman. "Although the people of Montana will
benefit from the income from this salvage timber, the remaining resources
should also benefit from this type of salvage and reforestation project."


In addition to the rehabilitation and erosion control projects underway
since late September, the DNRC is taking steps throughout the salvage
process to help protect and reforest the area. "We will require contractors
and purchasers to strictly follow DNRC guidance with regard to the timber
sale contract, the EA, Best Management Practices (BMPs) and the State Land
Management Plan. This will ensure responsible management of the resources
that exist," stated the Team's Operations Leader, Brian Manning.


The lands involved in this project are held by the State of Montana in trust
for the support of specific beneficiary institutions such as public schools,
state colleges and universities, and other specific state entities. The
Board of Land Commissioners and DNRC are required by law to administer these
trust lands to produce the largest measure of reasonable and legitimate
return over the long run for these institutions. The State Forest Land
Management Plan outlines the philosophy and standards by which DNRC
administers state land.


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