Led multistate effort to criticize federal agencies

HELENA, MT - Governor Greg Gianforte today released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) withdrew the National Old Growth amendment:

“Today’s announcement from USDA to withdraw the National Old Growth Amendment is welcome news to the State of Montana. Over the course of the last three years, USDA and the U.S. Forest Service have failed to adequately engage with governors and states to address flaws in this plan. I look forward to a new era of collaboration with our federal partners once President Trump’s nominees are confirmed by the Senate.”

In February 2024, Gov. Gianforte led a coalition of six governors in criticizing federal agencies for plans to adopt new forest management rules without addressing state concerns. In addition to criticizing the agencies for their blatant disregard for state interests, the governors noted that the proposed amendment would run counter to State Forest Action Plans adopted to address forest health and wildfires. Read the full letter here.