Resource Management

Managing for Multiple Uses

The Forest Service has been dedicated to managing resources for multiple uses since the creation of the agency in 1905. As an agency, we are charged with the task of providing sustainable multiple benefits to the public through proper management and use of natural resources. Our motto, “Caring for the Land and Serving People” captures the Forest Service mission perfectly. When our forests are managed for sustainable multiple uses the benefits yield clean water, healthy ecosystems, sustainable supplies of wood and paper products, forage for livestock, supplies of energy and minerals, and superior places for the public to recreate.

Fire Management

Fire plays a natural role in the Lolo National Forest. It promotes vegetative and wildlife diversity and eliminates heavy fuel accumulations that can lead to catastrophic wildfire if not removed. Forest fires can either be planned or unplanned. Planned, or prescribed, fires are employed for fuels and/or resource benefit purposes. Unplanned fires are ignited by natural causes (such as lightning) or humans (such as campfires not extinguished thoroughly). While natural causes cannot be escaped, human causes can which makes it important to always be aware of your fire and only start fires in designated areas.

Fire management efforts don't stop at the end of a fire season. The forest continues to work on prescribed burns for wildlife habitat and other management goals; plan vegetation projects; train fire personnel; work with communities and partners; recruit firefighters for the upcoming season; and prepare for the next fire season.

You can read more about the Lolo National Forest fire management program, find fire information links, and read current fire season information on the Fire Management page.

Minerals

Find information on the Mining, Prospecting, Gold Panning, and Mineral Collecting page and in the Recreational Prospecting Guide [PDF, 0.2 MB]. 

You can also find helpful information on mining through Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology and BLM Montana-North Dakota Office.

Timber Management

The timber sale section that follows has detailed information on timber sales offered for bid, including bid dates, contacts, and sale documents.