Fuel Reduction Program

BOZEMAN, Mont., March 8, 2018 – In its second year, the Tri-County Fuels Reduction Initiative is building on work done in areas with high fuel hazards in Broadwater, Lewis & Clark, and Meagher counties. Agricultural landowners can access technical and financial assistance through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to address forest health.

Assistance for eliminating excessive fuels, improving forest health, treating conifer encroachment, preventing runoff after fires, and revegetating treatment areas is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

While EQIP applications are accepted year-round, applications for the Tri-County Fuels Reduction Initiative must be received by May 18, 2018, to be considered for this funding period.

Contact your local USDA service center for more information and to apply.

• Broadwater County – Justin Meissner, 406-266-3146 x 103
• Lewis & Clark County – John George, 406-449-5000 x 101
• Meagher County – Jenney Paddock, 406-547-3633 x 101

“Landowners and NRCS work together to figure out what needs to be done and how to accomplish management goals on private forest lands,” said Lori Ziehr, acting state conservationist for NRCS in Montana. “Healthy forests decrease the chances of large, severe fires, improve water and air quality, and provide many recreational benefits.”

Learn more about the Environmental Quality Incentives Program in Montana.