Efforts to eradicate areas of pine beetle infestation continue in Lewis & Clark County, and KXLHs Kay Rossi went along for the ride near Montana City as state officials brought Governor Brian Schweitzer up to speed on current progress.

Governor Schweitzer saw first-hand the efforts of a "Jumpstart" project that aims to produce multiple benefits to both state and private land.

Schweitzer explained, "It will decrease the ability of these pine beetles to mate when you open it up. The second thing is that in the case of wildfire, the fire is likely to move through this land without igniting the larger trees. So...get rid of the lower brush, clear it out so the healthier trees will be able to survive."

The Ambush Ridge Jumpstart project will remove and salvage trees affected by pine beetles, thin the forest to reduce vulnerability, and enhance fuel reduction on almost 300 acres of land.

It will also treat nearby school-trust land.

D.J. Bakken, Montana DNRC Unit Manager, said, "It's a benefit from the state from a suppression standpoint because if we have fires, they'll be less intense and cost the state less money."

The grant-funded project will cost over $500 per acre. And although the treatment of devastated areas can be quite costly, officials point out that it's nothing compared to having to rebuild after a fire has ravaged an area.

Bakken said, "Anything private land owners can do to reduce the fire hazards on their own lands, it's a benefit to them because they reduce the risk that their investments and property will be burned."

The project has created an estimated twelve to fifteen new jobs. The majority of the groundwork for the project is expected to be completed by the end of next month.