Green Diamond Resource Company Expands to NW Montana
Green Diamond Resource Company President Douglas Reed announced the company will acquire 291,000 acres of working forest land in Northwestern Montana from Southern Pine Plantations. The transaction is expected to be complete January 14, 2021, bringing Green Diamond’s total land base under management to 2.1 million acres in 10 states across the US West and South.
We see this as a generational asset,” said Reed. “It is our intent to manage these lands as working forests going forward.” Reed further explained that Green Diamond has a long history of managing forests to maintain and improve productivity while protecting shared values including recreation, clean water, wildlife and carbon.
According to Reed, Green Diamond will continue enrollment in the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Block Management program, to maintain public access for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities. Green Diamond will also assume the terms of the Thompson-Fisher River Conservation Easement, much of which is part of the Green Diamond footprint. Green Diamond will also continue to work with The Trust for Public Land toward completion of the ongoing Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Project and the Lost Trail Conservation Area. “These projects would ensure access to key recreation areas for area residents and visitors while maintaining working forests,” said Reed.
Green Diamond will assume the terms of the Native Fish Habitat Conservation Plan, which provides habitat protection for native fish including bull trout, cutthroat and other species. The company operates under similar conservation agreements on other holdings. “Agreements such as the Native Fish HCP provide for long-term stability to manage forests in concert with protection of habitat for sensitive species,” said Reed.
Southern Pine Plantations President Pat Patton said, “We are proud to achieve a positive outcome for the people of Montana on such a significant portion of our Montana lands. We believe Green Diamond will be an excellent long term steward. We will continue working with The Trust for Public Land with the hope that a majority of our Montana lands might remain working forests and open to the public forever.”
“Green Diamond has been a great partner in conservation through several projects across the US, and we look forward to working with the company in northwestern Montana. The conservation component of these lands is critical to ensuring they stay in working forest and remain open to the public,” said Dick Dolan, northern Rockies director of The Trust for Public Land.
About Green Diamond Resources Company
Green Diamond Resource Company is a privately held forest products company with roots dating back to 1890. Today, the company owns working forest lands in Washington, Oregon and California. A subsidiary, Green Diamond Management Company, provides forest management services in the U.S. South and West. All lands owned and managed by Green Diamond are independently audited and certified for sustainable forest management. More information about Green Diamond’s environmental leadership may be found at www.greendiamond.com.
Contact:
Patti Case – Media Contact – (360) 790-6182
Source: Green Diamond Resource Company