logo is the state of montana outline with a treeline inside and the letters MFOAMFOA continues to actively protect the interests of forest landowners at both the state and federal government levels. We are in a legislative session year with many topics of interest to Forest Owners. MFOA is actively monitoring and preparing testimony on multiple bills.

The Montana Prescribed Fire Council was established in the spring of 2024. A charter and bylaws were developed, and I am on the Steering Committee representing the interests of family forest owners. The safe, effective use of prescribed burning, both pile and burn and broadcast burn, are important tools to meet land management objectives. House Bill 84 has been submitted to the legislature at the request of the DNRC. It would establish a certified prescribed burn manager program and provide for a simple negligence standard for people operating under the certification. We are working closely with DNRC and the broad membership of MPFC to ensure that the financial interests of adjoining landowners are protected. If a well-crafted bill is passed, it could help achieve the results identified in a 2023 MFOA survey, where landowners are specifically interested in accomplishing more wildfire hazard reduction on their own and adjoining properties.

Another topic is fire insurance for homes and property; we work with Fire Safe Montana on this. House Bill 136 proposes to allow insurance companies to provide rebates to homeowners who use mitigation measures on their property to reduce risk. This is in alignment with our advocacy that insurance focuses on the risk of the actual property rather than a geographic designation.

We are also closely following several bills that propose to change the tax classification system around agricultural lands (Class 3), in particular, the non-qualified agricultural designation that many forest owners (Class 10) have as inclusions of or a dominant portion of their land. House Bill 27, as currently drafted, is problematic and could substantially raise some property taxes.

Undoubtedly, there will be many more bills introduced that may affect forest owners which we are on the watch for and will engage with as needed.

MFOA is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to the interests of forest owners. Our Board of Directors is energetic and engaged in looking out for our interests. If you want to make a difference and speak up for your rights and responsibilities as a forest landowner in Montana, please consider joining us for only $25 per year. Thanks for your support. a headshot of a man with grey hair and mustache.

Enroll online here: www.montanaforestowners.org

— David Atkins, President

Montana Forest Owners Association