Holds roundtable with agency and local officials

Broadus, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte on Sep 5th, held a roundtable at the Broadus Community Center to hear from producers and local officials on the impact of the Remington Fire and discuss steps forward for recovery.

“We’re here to offer our support to the landowners and communities impacted by the Remington Fire as they navigate recovery,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I am encouraged to hear of the collaboration taking place to respond to the impacts of the fire. This is what Montanans do best – neighbors helping neighbors. Know that the State of Montana stands behind you.”

On August 20, the Remington Fire started in Sheridan County, Wyoming, and crossed into Powder River County on the evening of August 21. Due to fire conditions and dry fuels, the fire quickly spread overnight and grew from approximately 25,000 acres to 160,000 acres, spanning Powder River, Big Horn, and Rosebud counties.

Joining local producers and representatives from the Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Disaster and Emergency Services (DES), Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), tribal representatives, and federal and county officials, the governor heard about the damages caused by the burning and the community collaboration taking place in the recovery.

With over two dozen participants in the roundtable, the resounding message was praise for coordination between all partners in fire response – from the Bureau of Land Management, to DNRC, to local sheriffs and fire departments, to electric providers, and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe.

After the roundtable, the governor spoke with a third-generation rancher from Powder River County who lost nearly 200 head of cattle and one dwelling on their property. The rancher, Mr. Lloyd, shared, “We are accustomed to living with fire, but this fire start was pretty close to our land. Even though we lost cattle, the things that matter are ok – we are here, no one got hurt, and our primary home is ok. And it was great to see our community really come together.”

Speaking to the aid available for recovery, DES Senior Disaster Field Officer Jeff Gates added, “A lot of the costs associated with this fire really falls on the locals, aside from some federal aid that is available. It’s been really impressive to see the private fundraising that’s happened.”

The Montana Stockgrowers Association has spearheaded fundraising and resource connection efforts for producers in need. Speaking to the additional resource coordination from the Montana Stockgrowers Association, Executive Director Raylee Honeycutt added, “We are grateful to serve as a resource for our stockgrowers community. We appreciate the outpouring of support from Montanans and our partners.”

Highlighting the resources available to Montanans in-need, the governor mentioned the Montana Department of Agriculture Hay Hotline that connects producers interested in buying, selling, or donating hay or pasture.

For producers and Montanans interested in learning more about fundraising and resource connection efforts offered through the Montana Stockgrowers Association, visit www.mtbeeffoundation.org.