Headwaters RC&D Area, Inc. forestry programs promote economic and social opportunities by exploring new forestry products and measures.  They recognize the value of healthy forests to the region and strive to provide information and eduction on forest eco-systems and how they impact our economy and quality of life.  Headwaters forestry programs are, for the most part, available throughout its eight county area.

Through a cooperative agreement with Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) - Forestry Division with funding from USDA NRCS, Headwaters is able to have the services of a part-time forester to assist with development of new innovative forestry related projects.  The RC&D Forester is Chris Town.  Contact information (406) 563-6078, email:  ctown@mt.gov

Headwaters administers Hazardous Fuels Reduction programs on private properties in urban wildfire interface areas in Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Butte-Silver Bow, Granite, Southern Jefferson, and Madison counties.  These programs are funded by the BLM and MT DNRC/USDA Forest Service.  Of special concern to the Headwaters Area is the bug-kill that has and continues to adversely affect the forest health of the area.

The contact for programs in all counties, except Madison, is Bryan Lorengo.  Contact information (406) 563-3194, email: blorengo@hotmail.com.  In Madison County the contact is Joe Husar, (406) 685-3249, email:  hidepuncher@msn.com.

Fuels for Schools Programs are a natural fit with the Hazardous Fuels Reduction program.  Headwaters provides technical and administrative assistance for these programs in its area.  The Philipsburg School District, the Townsend School District, and UM Western in Dillon have heat generating biomass boilers.  The Townsend project is a whole-tree wood pellet biomass system, while Philipsburg and UM Western utilize wood chips.  The Townsend School District is the first in Montana to receive funding from carbon dioxide emission credits.  The funding was provided from the Oregon Climate Trust.  Information on the Fuels for Schools Program can be obtained by contacting Angela Farr, afarr@mt.gov or Chris Town @ ctown@mt.gov.

Community Forestry is another area where Headwaters can provide technical assistance to local governments or groups wishing to plant trees in public spaces.  Please contact Chris Town at (406) 563-6078 for further information.

Headwaters is a member of the National Carbon Offset Coalition.  This program seeks to offset carbon dioxide emissions through both forestry and soils projects.  Information can be obtained by contacting Ted Dodge at Ted.Dodge@ncoc.us.

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