Distinctly Montana Magazine

a diversity of species, ages, and sizes. If done properly, selective cutting decreases the ability of fire to spread, soil to erode, and trees to blow down on campers, roads, power lines. Until recently cutting dead trees didn't seem to make sense. But when trees are killed through periodic fires or beetle epidemics, the wood remains and slowly dries out over years—even decades—of low humidity in the Rocky Mountain area. In this way it is naturally cured and becomes extremely stable for use in con- struction. When live trees are used for building homes or businesses, allowances have to be made for settling and shrinking. Joints may have to be routed to prevent gaps. The wood must be kiln or air dried. With dead timber the shrinkage and warpage have already occurred. Dead trees dry to the centers of their trunks as they age. Using them is less labor-intensive. Dead timber is also more eco- nomical than reclaimed lumber. Removing dead trees is thus a green, sustainable act, as the lumber can be employed in solid, handsome constructions. Once cleared, the forest can quickly regenerate and make way as it always does for new growth. Using dead trees is much better too than vandalizing old mining camps and ghost towns, which may be historic treasures, of its wood. The company also supports wood obtained from sawmills that have Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certification, which ensures that the wood comes from forests managed in an environmen- tally sound way. Montana Ghost Wood is part of an enterprise that has had a long history in Montana. J & R Planning was founded in 1976 and has continued as the parent company of all ensuing entities. In 1990, a second plant, named Montana West, was added to handle a growing demand for the custom packaging of lumber species. In 1993, still another business would be added to the successful J & R family. This facility, the smallest of the three, is known as Western Montana Millwork. It was primarily set up to handle a proprietary trim product, called Alltrim. In the mid-1990's, management recognized a need for its own sales department in order to ensure future growth for their plants. Thus, in 1997 Bit- terroot Valley Forest Products was created. Ghost Wood was launched in 2007. The parent company, Bitterroot Valley Forest Products, works with the Big Blackfoot Chapter of Trout Unlimited to restore the Blackfoot River watershed. It also contributes to the Montana Ghost Town Preservation Society. The com- pany is proud of its green products—from homes to mantels and doors—and partnering with groups that benefit Montana. Ryan Palma (Sales & Marketing) adds, "Our goal for Ghost Wood is to be a positive influence on all parties we are involved with. From loggers to preservation and everyone in between." For more information, see http://www.bvfpmontana.com or www.mtghostwood.com. the puBliC everyday WHOLESALE to OUR HAND-WOVEN RUGS ONLINE VIEW and SHOP On HUFFINE LANE in BOZEMAN 406.586.8491 www.finewoolrugs.Com www.distinctlymontana.com 65

• Cover