Post-Fire Recovery Supports Local Economies: BLM to Salvage Burned Timber In East Garnet Mountains
MISSOULA, Mont. – The Bureau of Land Management will salvage damaged timber, replant native conifers, and reduce the spread of bark beetles as part of fire recovery efforts in Powell County’s East Garnet Mountains. The Windy Rock Fire of 2025 left behind burned trees and landscape conditions that threaten the long-term health of surrounding forests.
“By salvaging these dead and dying trees, we are getting them to mills while they still have economic value, which supports our local communities,” said Erin Carey, Missoula Field Office Manager. “Our work will also improve public safety by removing hazard trees along open roads and reduce the spread of destructive bark beetles from fire-affected trees into nearby unburnt stands.”
The project targets approximately 1,300 acres affected by the 2025 Windy Rock Fire and includes selective harvesting of nearby trees at risk from an anticipated surge in bark beetles following the fire. In addition to timber salvage work, the BLM will conduct maintenance on existing BLM-managed roads and plant native conifer species to support long-term forest recovery. No new road construction is included with this project.
The salvage operations are expected to begin late-fall 2026. To ensure safety for the public and work crews, project managers anticipate some temporary road closures and will announce a schedule when available.
The release of the decision record initiates a 30-day BLM appeal period. The decision record and related environmental assessment are available on the BLM National NEPA Register. Detailed information regarding the appeal period, and the process and documents required to file an appeal, can be found within the decision record.
The BLM manages forests and woodlands in accordance with the multiple-use, sustained yield mandate of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, which means the BLM manages forests to meet the present and future needs of communities, wildlife, and all those who benefit from forest ecosystems.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.