Forest cooperation

The Jan. 17 column by Julia Altemus was refreshing in her call for Montanans to move beyond the gridlock that often characterizes debate about forest management. As she says, “Just as Montana is made up of many parts, we are wired to work together and to help each other.”

That’s why I joined several conservation groups, hunting organizations, timber mills and loggers in supporting the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act sponsored in Congress by Sen. Jon Tester.

The organization that Altemus represents, the Montana Wood Products Association, has commended Sen. Tester for his efforts to reach an acceptable compromise between parties with different objectives on three of Montana’s national forests.

My primary experience in two of these forests — the Kootenai and the Beaverhead-Deerlodge — is as an elk hunter. I’ve ventured far afield in both forests, including in areas proposed for wilderness designation and areas that Tester’s bill has identified for future stewardship and restoration logging.

Both types of uses make sense on the ground where they’re proposed. I appreciate the leadership of the diverse Montana interests that have helped Sen. Tester craft a workable solution to end the stalemate.

The ability to learn from and trust each other is a cultivated habit that will be increasingly important in coming years. Beyond forest management, the challenges caused by an accelerating change in climate will put a premium on community-based solutions.

Steve Thompson

Whitefish