Century-Old Stoltze Lumber Honored During Montana Forest Products Week

COLUMBIA FALLS — Governor Greg Gianforte presented his annual Forest Products Award to the F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company on Monday, recognizing the century-old Columbia Falls operation during Montana Forest Products Week for its commitment to sustainable forestry and community stewardship.

“For over a century, Stoltze Lumber has exhibited a strong commitment to actively managing our forests, creating good paying jobs, and supporting the surrounding community,” Gianforte said during the presentation at the company’s Columbia Falls office. “I am proud to recognize the company and its team members for their dedication to sustainable forestry and a strong perseverance to succeed in the timber industry.”

The award comes as Montana grapples with what Gianforte’s recent proclamation termed a “forest health crisis,” with over nine million acres of forestland facing significant health issues and elevated wildfire risk. The governor designated October 19-25 as Montana Forest Products Week to promote the industry and recognize its contributions to the state.

Century of Sustainable Operations

For more than 100 years, Stoltze Lumber has operated in the Flathead Valley and currently employs over 125 Montanans. The company stands as one of the few remaining fully integrated forest products companies in the Northwest, meaning it owns and manages timberland while operating its own sawmilling facility.

The company practices active forest management across 40,000 acres of timberland, implementing sustainable harvest practices that align with state efforts to improve forest health. Their operations include a biomass co-generation facility that powers up to 3,000 homes, demonstrating innovation in renewable energy within traditional timber operations.

Model for Active Management

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Director Amanda Kaster praised the company’s approach to forest stewardship during the award ceremony.

“Congratulations to F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Company on this well-deserved award,” Kaster said. “Their philosophy of ‘Healthy Forests, Healthy Families, Healthy Communities’ perfectly captures their longstanding commitment to being good neighbors and partners in managing the health of Montana’s forests.”

The recognition aligns with the state’s emphasis on active forest management as a solution to current challenges. According to the governor’s proclamation, active management “delivers clear benefits, including healthier forests, stronger wildlife habitat, enhanced recreational opportunities, more good-paying jobs, and less severe wildfires.”

Industry Leadership Recognition

Stoltze Lumber Vice President and General Manager Paul McKenzie was among the honorees recognized during Monday’s ceremony. The company’s century-long operation represents the type of sustained commitment the state hopes to encourage across Montana’s forest products sector.

The Governor’s Forest Products Award recognizes outstanding individuals or entities for their work to actively manage Montana forests, responsibly develop forested resources, and promote the use of Montana wood products.

The award presentation coincides with increased state focus on forest management collaboration, including the recent landmark Shared Stewardship Agreement between Montana and the U.S. Forest Service aimed at increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration.

“The hard working men and women of Montana’s forest products industry are good stewards of our resources, helping manage forests responsibly, strengthen the economy, and make forests healthier and more resilient,” the proclamation states.

The timing of the award during Montana Forest Products Week underscores the industry’s critical role in addressing the state’s forest health challenges while maintaining economic stability in rural communities like Columbia Falls.