Future Efforts

A new decade is off to a strong start for the MFRC effort.

Two projects that had early restoration committee input are starting the NEPA process: Marshall Woods Restoration Project on the Missoula District of the Lolo National Forest and Lincoln Gulch and Beaver to Stonewall Restoration Projects on the Lincoln District of the Helena National Forest.

We also look forward to seeing the Auggie Restoration Project (Seeley Lake District of the Lolo NF) hit the ground this year. We partnered with the University of Montana College of Forestry and Conservation to do some pre-project monitoring on Auggie and we’re excited about the opportunity for future monitoring work with the University and others.

Our Mixed Severity Sub-Committee continues to work on defining restoration in mixed severity forests. This committee is putting a lot of thought into the concepts of forest diversity and resiliency and the role of fire, insects and disease. Stay tuned for updates.

The MFRC has finalized a set of expansion criteria to aid us in setting up restoration committees on other forests and districts. The MFRC plans to expand in at least two new areas in 2010.

Our Funding Action Committee is working on funding opportunities for the MFRC as well as for restoration projects. Funding always seems to be an obstacle towards getting restoration work done.

The President’s Proposed FY 2011 budget includes the following language which fits very well with the goals of the MFRC:

“Fully developing and implementing a shared vision for America’s Forests will require collaboration and input from a diverse coalition of partners and stakeholders. The FY 2011 budget for the Forest Service supports the Administration’s priorities for maintaining and enhancing the resiliency and productivity of America’s forests through five central objectives:

1. Restoring and Sustaining Forest Landscapes
2. Protecting and Enhancing Water Resources and Watershed Health
3. Making Landscapes More Resilient to Climate Change
4. Responsibly Budgeting for Wildfire
5. Creating Jobs and Sustainable Communities

These objectives are interconnected and complementary, so on-the-ground projects will incorporate and achieve strategic actions from multiple objectives, using an all-lands approach.”