DNRC Proposes 50-Acre Wildfire Prevention Project Near Bozeman

BOZEMAN, MT — The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is proposing a 50-acre fuels reduction project on state trust land southeast of Bozeman, the latest example of expanded wildfire prevention efforts following the state’s historic forest management agreement with the federal government.

The Bear Canyon Fuels Reduction Project would treat overstocked vegetation on state-owned parcels located approximately 6-7 miles from Bozeman near Bear Canyon Road. The project targets land within the wildland-urban interface, where development meets forest.

“Overstocked vegetation of young trees and shrubs create conditions that can result in extreme wildfire behavior,” according to the DNRC’s project proposal. “Reducing overstocked vegetation near homes, structures, or other highly trafficked locations in the Bear Canyon area will reduce the chances of a wildfire starting or growing at an accelerated rate.”

The project represents a collaboration between state and county agencies, with Gallatin County Wildfire Mitigation hand crews performing all fuels reduction work on the state trust land. The initiative reflects Montana’s broader commitment to forest management, supported by $30 million in annual state funding for fuel reduction projects across private, state and federal lands.

Treatment Methods

Hand crews would thin trees 8 inches in diameter or less to create 15-foot crown spacing between remaining trees. Trees larger than 8 inches would not be cut. Dense brush and shrubs within treatment units would also be thinned or removed.

All slash generated from the project would be hand-piled and burned during appropriate snow-covered conditions.

Treatment units may range from 50 to 300 feet wide to create buffer zones on state trust land within the wildland-urban interface. No new roads would be built, with hand crews accessing treatment areas from existing public access points.

Emergency Response Benefits

The project aims to improve conditions for emergency responders during wildfire incidents. Heavy fuel loading “can contribute to dangerous working conditions for emergency responders in the event of a wildfire incident,” the proposal states.

“Reducing fuel loading allows emergency responders to have additional options and safer working conditions during an initial attack period of a wildfire,” according to DNRC.

Environmental Review Process

The DNRC is currently in the scoping phase of an environmental assessment for the project. Wildlife biologists, hydrologists, soil scientists and archaeologists will be consulted during the planning process.

All proposed treatment units and acreages remain preliminary estimates pending the environmental review.

The public comment period runs through October 10. Comments and suggestions can be submitted to Brian Krott at the DNRC Bozeman Unit at [email protected] or mailed to 2273 Boot Hill Ct, Suite 110, Bozeman, MT 59715.

Statewide Efforts

The Bear Canyon project comes as Montana pursues an aggressive forest management strategy designed to address the state’s wildfire risks. Over 60 percent of Montana’s forested acres are classified as being at high or very high risk of wildfire, insect infestations, or both, according to the Montana Forest Action Plan.

According to the governor’s office, DNRC has maintained a 95 percent success rate in keeping fires under 10 acres during each fire season since 2021, supported by increased funding and technology investments from the state legislature.