Stimson Secures Permanent Protection for 130,000 Acres of Montana Forest

Stimson Lumber Company has secured permanent conservation protection for 130,000 acres of Montana timberland.

After 15 years, Stimson completed the final piece of a conservation puzzle by closing a 20,629-acre easement that locks in sustainable timber production, preserves wildlife habitat, and guarantees public access. This easement safeguards a vast swath of forestland from development while maintaining economic activity.

The easement spans Lincoln, Mineral, and Sanders counties, connecting lands from Libby to Superior, and includes key recreational access points like the Wanless Lake trailhead and borders 115 miles of U.S. Forest Service and state lands. It protects 39 miles of streams, 309 acres of riparian habitat, and 472 acres of wetlands, while providing 6,000 days annually of public hunting and angling. Funding came from a mix of federal grants, utility contributions, private fundraising, and a donation of about $17.7 million from Stimson itself. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks gave final approval in August 2026, followed by the easement closing in September.

While no specific future management plans have been announced, this easement marks the culmination of a multi-decade conservation strategy.

Montana businesses reliant on forestry and outdoor recreation may find this model instructive, as it balances economic sustainability with conservation imperatives. The state’s rugged terrain and dispersed population heighten the value of collaborative land stewardship that preserves access and habitat while supporting local jobs.

Stimson Completes Final Montana Easement, Placing Entire Timber Base Under Conservation Protection
By Tristan Scott, Flathead Beacon