PERC is proud to celebrate the passage of Montana House Bill 84 (HB84)—a groundbreaking win for wildfire resilience, land stewardship, and collaborative conservation across the state.
Montana’s forests, grasslands, and working lands have long been threatened by increasingly severe wildfires. But now, thanks to the leadership of PERC, State Representative Steve Gist, and the united efforts of a diverse coalition—including the The Nature Conservancy, Wild Montana, Trout Unlimited, The Montana Prescribed Fire Council and its members, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and many others—we’ve taken a significant step forward in restoring balance to our fire-adapted landscapes.
A Smart, Science-Backed Approach
HB84, known as the Prescribed Fire Manager Certification and Liability Act, sets up a voluntary certification program for prescribed fire managers through the Montana DNRC. Certified fire managers will receive rigorous training in fire behavior, weather monitoring, safety protocols, and legal compliance, ensuring burns are conducted responsibly and effectively. The bill also introduces a clear liability framework, reducing legal uncertainties and encouraging broader participation in prescribed fire practices.
The passage of HB84 is a significant win for both landowners who want to proactively care for their property, the safety of our communities, and the health of our ecosystems. Importantly, HB84 maintains flexibility for private landowners, allowing them to conduct burns under existing laws without requiring certification if they wish to forgo the liability protections offered under the program.
Restoring Fire to the Landscape, Safely
For too long, fire suppression has left Montana’s landscapes overgrown and dangerously vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires. HB84 offers a different path—one rooted in science, stewardship, and shared responsibility. By reducing bureaucratic ‘green tape’—the complex and often burdensome regulations that hinder prescribed fire practices—and emphasizing education and accountability, this legislation empowers landowners to take an active role in preventing wildfires before they start.
In addition to risk reduction, prescribed fire improves soil health, limits invasive species, and sustains vital wildlife habitats—from elk in the high country to native trout in our rivers. The ecological benefits are profound, offering hope for a more vibrant and sustainable Montana, extending to agriculture, recreation, and the rural economies that define our state.
Collaboration at the Core
HB84’s success is a testament to what’s possible when conservation organizations, landowners, policymakers, and agencies work together toward common-sense solutions. We are proud to have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the partners who shaped, supported, and fought for this legislation every step of the way.
Together, we’ve laid the foundation for a more fire-adapted Montana—one that values responsible management, private initiative, and public safety.
Looking Ahead
With HB84 now law, we’re excited to help implement its provisions and continue promoting proactive wildfire management across the state. As DNRC builds out the certification and claims programs, we will remain engaged with our partners to ensure success on the ground.
This isn’t just a policy win. It’s a turning point for Montana’s future—and a model for how states across the West can rethink fire management with collaboration, courage, and care.
