Montana. Forestry Division

Montana forest management agency.

The Montana Office of State Forester was established by the legislature in 1909 to administer the forested portion of the state's public school trust lands. Prior to that year the functions of the office had been performed by the State Board of Land Commissioners and its administrative arms, the Register of State Lands and the State Land Agent. From 1971 to 1981 the Forestry Division was part of the Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation and then was returned to the Dept. of State Lands.

From the description of Records, 1896-1987. (Montana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 70925784

The Montana Office of State Forester was established by the legislature in 1909. Prior to that year the functions of the office had been performed by the State Board of Land Commissioners (see RS 29) and its administrative arms, the Register of State Lands and the State Land Agent. With statehood, Montana received from the Federal Government land sections 16 and 36 to support public schools. The State Board of Land Commissioners was given the right to select lands "in lieu of" lands already taken for homesteads, mining claims, Indian Reservations, and railroad grants. Some of these lands were in large blocks which became the basis for several state forests including the Swan River State Forest and the Stillwater State Forest.

The 1909 legislature established the Office of State Forester, and its governing body the State Board of Forestry, under the Board of Land Commissioners. The new Office was given the authority to administer the state's forest lands, to fight forest fires, and teach classes at the State University. The 1909 law also established procedures for evaluating state timber lands, administering timber sales, arranging for brush removal, protection of watersheds, and other administrative tasks. During the 1940s the State Forester also served as State Park Commissioner.

From 1971 to 1981 the Forestry Division was part of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and then was returned to the Department of State Lands. State Foresters included Charles Jungberg (1910-1914), John C. VanHook (1914-1921), Robert P. McLaughlin (1921-1926), Rutledge Parker (1926-1954), Gareth Moon (1955-1980), and Gary G. Brown (1981-1992). Assistant State Foresters included L.L. White, Emil A. Anderson, and Robert W. Arnold.

From the guide to the Montana Forestry Division Records, 1896-1987, (Montana Historical Society Archives)