GREAT FALLS — The administrative consolidation of two Montana national forests based in Great Falls and Helena has been formalized, resulting in one forest now known as the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.
The Great Falls Tribune reports the U.S. Forest Service announced the Helena and Lewis and Clark national forests merger on Monday. Officials say the move comes after years of sharing resources and staff among the forests.
Forest spokeswoman Kathy Bushnell says the consolidation will result in annual savings of up to $1.5 million each year for ranger districts.
The 300 employment positions between the two forests will not be affected by the transition, and all offices are expected to remain open.
The two forests together cover 2.9 million acres and stretch across 16 counties.