Gov. Gianforte Presents Annual Forest Products Award to Stoltze Lumber – State of Montana Newsroom (.gov)

Report on the 2025 Governor’s Forest Products Award and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

On October 28, 2025, the Governor of Montana presented the annual Forest Products Award to F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company. This report analyzes the award in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the company’s contributions to sustainable forest management, renewable energy, and local economic development. The recognition underscores a commitment to practices that support several key SDGs, including those related to clean energy, decent work, responsible production, and terrestrial ecosystems.

2.0 Award Recipient Profile: F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company

F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company, a cornerstone of the Flathead Valley for over a century, was recognized for its long-term dedication to integrated and sustainable operations. The company’s model directly addresses multiple facets of sustainability.

• Operational Scope: A fully integrated forest products company managing 40,000 acres of timberland and operating a sawmilling facility.
• Economic Impact: Employs over 125 individuals, providing stable jobs and supporting the local rural economy.
• Guiding Philosophy: Operates under the principle of “Healthy Forests, Healthy Families, Healthy Communities,” reflecting an integrated approach to environmental, social, and economic well-being.

3.0 Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The company’s practices demonstrate a strong alignment with several UN Sustainable Development Goals. The award acknowledges these tangible contributions to global sustainability targets at a local level.

1. SDG 15: Life on Land: The company’s core mission involves the active and sustainable management of 40,000 acres of forest. This commitment to stewardship and sustainable harvest practices directly supports the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: Stoltze operates a biomass co-generation facility that utilizes wood waste to produce renewable energy. This facility powers up to 3,000 homes, contributing significantly to increasing the share of renewable energy in the local grid.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: By providing over 125 jobs in a rural community, the company fosters sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. Its century-long perseverance exemplifies resilient local industry.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: As a fully integrated entity, Stoltze manages the entire production chain from forest to finished product. This model promotes the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources and supports the market for locally sourced, sustainable wood products.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The company’s economic and energy contributions strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the local community in Columbia Falls, Montana.

4.0 Governmental Recognition and Policy Context

The Governor’s Forest Products Award serves as an official endorsement of business practices that align with state and global sustainability objectives. This recognition is part of a broader state-level initiative to promote the forest products industry.

• Award Mandate: To recognize entities that actively manage Montana’s forests and responsibly develop forested resources.
• Montana Forest Products Week: The governor proclaimed October 19-25 as a week to highlight the industry’s contributions, reinforcing the state’s commitment to a sector that can advance sustainable development.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • The article heavily focuses on the sustainable management of forests. F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company is recognized for its “commitment to active forest management,” “sustainable forestry,” “sustainable harvest practices,” and “stewardship of 40,000 acres of timberland.” This directly aligns with the goal of protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The article highlights the company’s role in the local economy by “creating good paying jobs” and employing “over 125 Montanans.” It emphasizes the importance of the “forest products industry” and its “many contributions to Montana,” which connects to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and productive employment.

3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • The company’s “innovation in renewable energy” is explicitly mentioned. The operation of a “biomass co-generation facility that powers up to 3,000 homes” is a direct contribution to increasing the share of renewable energy, which is a core component of SDG 7.

4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • The article discusses the “production of Montana wood products” derived from sustainably managed forests. The company’s philosophy of “Healthy Forests, Healthy Families, Healthy Communities” and its practice of “sustainable harvest practices” reflect the principles of ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns through the efficient use of natural resources.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests.

   • This target is central to the article. The award recognizes the company’s “century-long commitment to sustainable forestry” and “active forest management.” The mention of “stewardship of 40,000 acres of timberland” is a concrete example of implementing sustainable forest management.

2. Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.

   • The article’s reference to the company “creating good paying jobs” and employing “over 125 Montanans” directly relates to this target of promoting employment and decent work within the local community.

3. Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

   • The operation of a “biomass co-generation facility” is a clear action towards this target. Biomass is a renewable energy source, and the facility contributes to the local energy supply, thus increasing the share of renewables.

4. Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

   • The company’s entire business model, as described, from “sustainable harvest practices” to being a “fully integrated forest products company,” demonstrates the sustainable management and use of a key natural resource: timber.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Indicator related to 15.2.1 (Progress towards sustainable forest management):

   • The article implies a measurable indicator by stating the company manages “40,000 acres of timberland” under sustainable practices. The total acreage under a certified sustainable management plan is a key indicator of progress.

2. Indicator related to SDG 8 (Employment):

   • A direct indicator is mentioned: the company “employs over 125 Montanans.” The number of jobs created and sustained in the forest products sector is a clear metric for measuring progress towards economic growth and employment targets.

3. Indicator related to 7.2.1 (Renewable energy share):

   • The article provides a specific, quantifiable outcome: the biomass facility “powers up to 3,000 homes.” This can be used as a proxy indicator to measure the amount of renewable energy being generated and supplied to the community.

Source: news.mt.gov