Today Forest Service announces a public hearing in Helena on April 1, 2026, for a proposal on portions of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, Custer Gallatin and Helena-Lewis and Clark national forests forming a sustained yield unit. Operating this unit will help ensure continuous, predictable supply of timber and forest products to support the local mills and economy.  

Local wood processing infrastructure supports the Forest Service ability to actively manage the land, creating healthy forests and reducing the risk of wildfire to surrounding communities. The sustained yield unit provides longer-term stability for the forest industry, allowing for investment and modernization, which supports the local economy and provides employment opportunities.

In the initial 10-year period, the Montana Tri-Forest Federal Sustained-Yield Unit intends to offer 350 million board feet of timber providing stability and aligning with Executive Order 14225, Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production .

The public hearing will be held at the Delta Hotels Helena Colonial on April 1 from 5-7 p.m. MT. More information about the public hearing may be found on the proposal website. The purpose of the hearing is to inform the affected communities of the proposal and provide an opportunity for the public to provide input.

Persons or organizations wishing to provide oral testimony at the public hearing must pre-register by 11:59 p.m. MT on Mar. 31, 2026, and may only register for one speaking slot. Depending on the level of interest, time allotted for oral testimony may be limited.

Written testimony may be submitted through April 10, 2026, by email to SM.TriForestSYU@usda.gov or via postal mail (postmarked) to Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, c/o Sharon Scott, 2880 Skyway Drive, Helena, MT 59602. Visit the website to learn more.   

Source: USFS

Photo: Megan Strickland Sacry