Learn about the Good Neighbor Authority Nov. 6

Neil Simpson, a U.S. Forest Service liaison with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, will present on the Good Neighbor Authority at a Society of American Foresters meeting Nov. 6 in Libby.

Authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill, the Good Neighbor Authority allows the Forest Service to enter into sole-source contracts and cooperative agreements with state agencies so states can accomplish restoration services activities on and off federal lands, according to a Society of American Foresters news release.

“Montana signed a Master Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA) in July of 2016,” the news release states. “The GNA is providing a new, flexible management tool to enable Montana and federal partners to collaborate more closely in carrying out critical forest, rangeland and watershed restoration activities, as well as fuels reduction projects across boundaries.”

Anyone can attend the presentation, which will take place 7 p.m. in the Viking Room at the Venture Inn.

Prior to the presentation, a social hour will start 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner for order off the menu.