Following last year's powerful windstorms that toppled trees across western Montana and northern Idaho, the Forest Service is moving quickly to address damaged forests with a proposed emergency salvage logging project spanning six national forests. 

The proposal, known as the 2026 Blowdown Emergency project, would allow expedited logging in areas where at least 25% of the trees have been blown down or suffered significant wind damage. The plan includes portions of the Lolo, Nez Perce-Clearwater and Idaho Panhandle national forests, all of which include parts of the Greater Burn ecosystem. 

Temporary roads could also be built to access individual logging sites. Because the proposal is being processed as an emergency action, the Forest Service accepted public comments for just seven days, a shorter review period than is typical for projects of this size.

Among those submitting comments was the Great Burn Conservation Alliance, which said it supports efforts to address hazardous conditions but wants the agency to proceed carefully to protect sensitive natural resources. 

The conservation group urged the Forest Service to avoid logging in recommended wilderness areas and continue honoring protections for inventoried roadless areas. It also asked the agency to safeguard wildlife habitat, wetlands, streams and migration corridors while applying consistent standards throughout the project area. 

The alliance noted that not all downed timber should be viewed as waste. 

Fallen trees can provide important wildlife habitat, improve soil health and contribute to long-term forest recovery. The group encouraged the Forest Service to focus active management where it is most beneficial while allowing natural ecological processes to continue elsewhere. 

In its comments, the organization also encouraged the agency to pair salvage logging with long-term restoration work, including prescribed burning, stream restoration and retaining some downed trees where they provide ecological or recreational value.

The Forest Service has not announced when it expects to make a final decision on the emergency project.