Statements from 2007 MFOA Legislative Listening Session

Two position statements were generated by approx. 30 participants at the MFOA Listening Session and sent to the MT State Legislature:



1)  TO:  THE MONTANA STATE LEGISLATURE 
              January 11, 2007

          We, the undersigned, find that catastrophic wildfire suppression benefits EVERYONE, including the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), firefighter contractors, wildlife, landowners, U.S. Forest Service employees, public utilities, state forest lands, railroads, highway transportation networks, local businesses including the timber industry, tourists, children…EVERYONE.

          In particular, HB 61 should have language allowing for appeal.  Additionally, HB 61 should have a cap on the fire assessment amount, (example:  10 yr maximum of $40 per ownership, $.25 acre per year); require accountability on how and where the DNRC spends assessment funds; and should define “forest management” and “protection.” 

          Clarification of the assessment process should be required: 

          1)  Who is being assessed?

          2)  What services are tied to assessments?

          3)  What information should be supplied to landowners justifying

                the assessments?

          4)  Who provides fire protection before June and after Sept.?

          5)  When fire protection is provided by the local fire department,

                should DNRC still collect their assessment for that service?

          Additionally, the 50/50 funding breakdown between large and small ownerships should be eliminated.   Forestland tax assessments should not be used in non-forested districts.  Assessments for utility and communication companies should be implemented.

          Family forest owners are already paying an additional tax assessment for DNRC and rural fire districts (additional to income and property taxes).  Family forest owners are also already providing benefits through open space, land stewardship through good management practices (resulting in fire breaks), wildlife habitat, aesthetics, watershed, etc.  Family forest owners accept the risk of living in the woods and do not expect unlimited efforts to protect our property by DNRC.  Family forest owners are generally small landowners of modest means.

          THEREFORE, community wildfire suppression benefits the general Montana population as well as Family Forest Owners.
 
2)    TO:  MONTANA STATE LEGISLATURE
                January 11, 2007

          We, the undersigned, find that it is important for all landowners (public and private) to manage their forests.

Landowners’ responsibilities:

·        Personal responsibilities (protection of private property)

·        Stewardship responsibilities (ecosystem values such as clean water, wildlife, clean air,

      complying with Stream Management Zone laws, etc.)

·        Social responsibilities (public safety)

·        Communication among adjacent ownerships

Management tools and resources:

·        Education

              a)  Community firewise plans

              b)  Workshops and minicollege

               c)   Fuel mitigation programs

               d)   Media and internet sources

·        Support services:

               a)   Consultants

               b)   Service foresters

               c)    NRCS, DNRC, State Extension, RC&D

               d)    Forest products infrastructure

·        Cost Share

Management incentives:

·        Money from grants and government programs

·        Home insurance maintenance/eligibility

·        Safety and security

·        Personal satisfaction and peace of mind

·        Recognition from neighbors and forest groups

·        Social benefits

·        Forest land taxation  (consider lowering acreage eligibility)

·        Increase value of forests by

               a)  Reducing mortality

               b)  Increasing productivity

              c)  Providing for healthy flora and fauna

• About MFOA


• Montana Forest Owners Association Position Summary


• 8-06 Action Alert Survey Comments


• Statements from 2007 MFOA Legislative Listening Session


• 2008 Wildland Urban Interface and Fire Costs Position


• Wildland Urban Interface Study Comments


• National Woodlandowners Association