By Nicole Poitra, NACD Northern Plains Region Representative

Across Montana, foresters, conservation districts, and local leaders are coming together to spark an important conversation about the future of the state’s forests. At the center of that discussion are two longtime foresters, Jim Simpson and Gordy Sanders, who launched the effort called “Which Montana Do You Want?” to raise awareness about the sharp decline in the state’s forest products industry and what that means for forest health, wildfire risk, and rural economies.

“Gordy and I are foresters, we know what proactive management of our forest looks like and how it can work with all other forest uses,” said Simpson. “We’re alarmed at the decline in the forest products industry, which is the tool we use to manage healthy forests.”

Since 1990, Montana has seen its large log-processing mills drop from 41 to just 6, a loss that mirrors the decline in harvest from federal lands. As a result, fewer local jobs, reduced capacity, and growing wildfire fuel have created both economic and ecological challenges.

To help raise awareness, Simpson and Sanders worked with Jim Petersen, Founder of the Evergreen Foundation, to develop a 24-page booklet called “Which Montana Do You Want?” that lays out the issue in plain terms. “Which Montana Do You Want?” outlines the benefits of moving towards a Montana that prioritizes working, managed forests, including fire and invasive species resilience, local economy stimulation, wildlife habitat protection, increased opportunities for outdoor recreation, and new investment. With this proposed shift, the booklet also provides suggestions and guidance for timber industry infrastructure, forestry management practices, cross-collaboration, addressing ongoing litigation issues, and more to aid in this transition. With benefits to resource conservation and timber production, “Which Montana Do You Want?” reimagines what forestry management looks like moving forward.

The booklet has caught attention statewide, including from the Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) and 24 local conservation districts that have publicly supported the effort. “The ‘Which Montana do You Want’ initiative is successfully fostering an important conversation among Montanans about the long-term vision for our state’s resources and conservation policies,” said Rayelynn Brandl, MACD Executive Director. “Healthy forests are vital not only for our outdoor heritage, but also for our economy.”

An MACD resolution backing state legislation to strengthen the industry was discussed at the organization’s annual convention in Billings this fall. “The MACD membership has passed a resolution directing that MACD policy is to collaboratively work with agencies and partners to work towards a healthy forestry and a healthy timber products industry,” said Brandl. “We will continue to dialogue with all parties, working to create wholistic and balanced approaches.”

The message has also reached policymakers. The Montana Environmental Quality Council has taken up the topic, with plans to explore possible solutions ahead of the 2027 legislative session. The Montana Association of Counties is considering a marketing campaign to attract new investment in forest products and signal that “Montana is open for business.”

Simpson knows not everyone will agree on the path forward, but he believes open discussion is the key. “Some will come out in opposition,” he said. “But, we’re already visiting civic groups across the state to explain the need to manage our national forests and the role the industry plays.”

For Simpson and Sanders, the message is simple: healthy forests, thriving rural economies, and active management all go hand in hand, and the future depends on the choices Montanans make today.

Tags: northern plains, montana