million acres
The Kootenai National Forest
belongs to ALL of us.
It is important for the people of Montana, and it is important to all Americans. The Kootenai National Forest provides many resources that support our community, our livelihoods and our way of life in northwest Montana. We work here. We raise our families here. We hunt, fish, hike, snowmobile, relax and play here. We drink the water that originates here.
We believe there is room for everyone across our vast forest. Spanning the communities in Lincoln and Sanders Counties, the Kootenai National Forest is known for its diverse and productive timberlands. Our goal is to ensure a sustainable and predictable timber harvest for local loggers and mills, and also ensure recreational access, clean water, and wildlife habitat.
The Kootenai National Forest has many resources…
Productive Timber Lands
The Kootenai National Forest is one of the leading timber producing forests in Montana. The timber industry has a rich history in northwest Montana and it continues to support the community and keep our forests healthy.
Abundant Outdoor Recreation
The Kootenai National Forest provides locals and visitors the opportunity to access the great outdoors on foot, bike, snowmobile, boat, ski, ATV, horseback and more.
Pristine Wildlands
The Kootenai National Forest holds thousands of acres of undeveloped, unroaded, and unprotected wildlands that provide habitat for wildlife, opportunities for quiet recreation, and the headwaters for our drinking water supply.
The Kootenai Forest Stakeholders Coalition is coming together to find common ground in natural resources management.
We envision a future with:
Thriving Economies
Whether it’s timber, mining, or outdoor recreation and tourism, natural resources support local jobs and our growing economy.
Open Space
Open spaces and recreation access to special places that make our outdoor way of life possible.
Clean Water
Cold, clean water that provides high quality fish habitat and reaches the downstream communities that depend on it.
Wildlife Habitat
Abundant, healthy habitat for elk, grizzly bear, native trout and other valued wildlife.
Testimonials From Your Neighbors
Tim Linehan
Linehan Outfitting Co.
Troy
Shawna Kelsey
Yaak Valley Forest Council
Troy
Kristin Smith
Cabinet Mountain Brewing
Libby
Jerry Wandler
Troy Snowmobile Club
Troy
Paul McKenzie
F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber
Columbia Falls
Shawn Morgan
Thompson Falls Lumber, Inc.
Thompson Falls
Who We Are
Montanans representing a broad spectrum of viewpoints, sharing a love for the Kootenai National Forest.
What Your Neighbors Say
Testimonials about the magic of the Kootenai from locals who know it best.
Success stories
A place to share timber, recreation and conservation project success stories.
Get in touch
Have questions about the Kootenai? Let us know!
Your voice counts!
Learn more about our work to keep the Kootenai’s future bright.