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Your guide the 2024 Montana elections
Wildfire, fire management and air quality news for western Montana and the Northern Rockies.

The Cost Of Development In Wildfire Country

“Firewise” by Monte Dolack used by permission via Headwaters Economics

It’s estimated that at least 30 percent of the money the Forest Service and BLM spend on wildfires is spent to protect private property, like homes on the edge of public lands.

A new report from Headwaters Economics in Bozeman offers strategies to keep that number from growing.

Ray Rasker is Headwaters’ executive director, he spoke with Eric Whitney about the non-profit group's new report.

Follow MTPR News Director Eric Whitney on twitter @MTPRND

Eric Whitney is NPR's Mountain West/Great Plains Bureau Chief, and was the former news director for Montana Public Radio.
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