Tester talks forest management with Stoltze Lumber

Senator, Chuck Roady discuss easement project, protecting local water supply

Senator Jon Tester this week met with Chuck Roady from Stoltze Lumber to discuss forest management and plans to preserve more than 3,000 acres of land critical to Whitefish’s water supply.

Tester and Roady, the General Manager of F.H. Stoltze Lumber, discussed how the proposed conservation project would ensure the land will be preserved for recreation and available for sustainable forest management. The land includes the Haskill-Basin drainage, which provides seventy-five percent of Whitefish’s water supply.

“Making smart, responsible decisions about forest management and recreation will strengthen our economy and make sure our kids and grandkids can enjoy our treasured lands,” Tester said. “This agreement will not only preserve 3,000 acres of Montana forest for recreation, but it protects Whitefish’s water supply and makes sure we can continue to sustainably manage our lands.”

Tester and Roady also met with Alex Diekmann, project manager for the Trust for Public Land.

Tester, along with fellow Senator Max Baucus, recently announced a new grant to help Stoltze – which is based in Columbia Falls – to create jobs, keep Montana’s forests healthy and generate renewable energy.

Tester also recently took new steps to strengthen Montana’s outdoor economy by joining with Senator Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) to introduce the Sportsmen’s and Public Outdoor Recreation Traditions (SPORT) Act. The legislation would increase public land access for hunters and anglers, preserve treasured places to hunt and fish, and strengthen states roles in protecting wildlife.