Commissioners approve support letter for Forest Stakeholders Collaborative

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners voted May 20 to sign a letter of support for the Forest Stakeholders Collaborative’s request for a DNRC local government assistance grant.

Jennifer Nelson, identified herself as "Jennifer Nelson, Lincoln County Forester," and said the collaborative requested a support letter to help cover facilitation costs. Tim Dhy, speaking for the collaborative, described it as "in existence for damn near 20 years" and said facilitation is "the biggest cost of our organization." Commissioners debated briefly and moved to sign the drafted letter; the motion was seconded and approved.

Supporters told commissioners the collaborative has worked closely with the U.S. Forest Service and other partners and has previously received Montana DNRC grants and grants from the Montana Forest Collaborative Network. Tim Dhy said the group had changed facilitators to reduce costs and asked the county to sign and scan the letter so the group could include it with their application.

The board directed staff to prepare the signed letter and send copies to the collaborative’s contacts. No public opposition to the support letter was recorded during the meeting.