On August 19, Flathead Electric Cooperative hosted a public meeting to discuss its draft Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP). Private property owners, officials from state agencies such as Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, former and current firefighters, and Co-op trustees and staff heard opening remarks from Mark Johnson, CEO & General Manager.
Amanda Opp, Integrated Services Manager, and Chad Bessette, Vegetation Management Supervisor, gave an interactive presentation about the WMP, associated House Bill 490 requirements, and the role community collaboration plays in the process. Public comment procedures were detailed by Katie Pfennigs, Community Relations Manager. In addition, Carrie Johnson, Forestry Assistance Program Manager with Montana West Economic Development (MWED), discussed efforts between MWED, the Co-op, and the Flathead National Forest in support of the ongoing work related to the partnership’s recent receipt of a $10M Community Wildfire Defense Grant. All speakers then opened up the floor to Q&A.
Public comments on the draft Wildfire Mitigation Plan are open through September 6 and may be submitted here.
