The failure to properly dispose of slash after logging 

 or thinning operations may create an extreme fire hazard 

 which can support uncontrollable wildfire. 



The use of any forest area should be planned in 

 advance with all aspects of protection considered. State 

 laws exist to provide fire protection for wild lands in 

 most areas of the State. A forestry plan has been 

 developed by the State Forester which, when approved 

 by the State Board of Forestry, will establish a minimum 

 level of fire protection on lands not now under recognized 

 protection. A forest pest law also authorized the State 

 Board of Forestry to establish zones of insect infestation 

 and initiate control measures. 



The Hazard Reduction and Management law provides 

 that anyone cutting timber must enter into a hazard re- 

 duction agreement with the State Forester. This law 

 along with the fire and pest control laws, provides only 

 minimal protection to forests. 



The value of forest land has been going upward for 

 many years. This trend is accelerating as the need for 

 recreation, wood products, and water, increases for an 

 expanding population. It follows that more money will 

 necessarily have to be allocated to protect Montana's 

 forests from damage. 



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