As wildfire threats loom, funds available for Gateway homeowners
Spectators watch the Howe Ridge Fire from Lake McDonald in this file photo.
If you own a lot and it’s thick with trees but you don’t have the means or money to thin them and you’re worried about wildfire damaging your home and property, there’s a new program that can help and it’s completely free.
Flathead Electric Cooperative, Montana West Economic Development and the Flathead National Forest last week announced $10 million in Community Wildfire Defense Grant funding to help the communities of Columbia Falls, Coram, Hungry Horse, Martin City and West Glacier better mitigate their risk against wildfire. Collectively, these communities are referred to as the Glacier Gateway. All are identified as Wildland Urban Interface by Flathead County.
Of the $10 million, just under $8 million is for thinning near powerlines owned by the Co-op, but the remaining $2 million-plus is for home and landowners in the area. All told, about 3,500 acres in the gateway communities could be served by the grants.
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