Governor Gianforte Honors Willy Peck with Annual Forest Products Award

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Gianforte today announced Willy Peck as the recipient of the 2026 Governor's Forest Products Award in recognition of his more than five decades of work in the forest products industry and his contributions to active forest management, collaborative stewardship, and Montana's rural economies.

"Willy has dedicated his career to keeping Montana's forests healthy, productive, and resilient while supporting the communities that depend on them," Gov. Gianforte said. "His hands-on experience and ability to bring agencies, counties, and industry partners together have made him a trusted leader in advancing forest management across western Montana. It's great to present him with this year's award."

Gov. Gianforte and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Director Amanda Kaster honoring Willy Peck with the 2026 Governor's Forest Products Award in Helena

Based in Superior, Willy Peck serves as a natural resource advisor for Mineral, Powell, and Sanders counties and co-chairs the Mineral County Resource Coalition. Since beginning his career in 1972, he has worked in nearly every facet of the forest products industry, including logging, milling, resource management, and industry outreach.

Peck has helped advance forest management projects across western Montana, supported post-fire salvage operations following the Sunrise Fire, and worked to give local communities a voice in federal forest planning. His contributions also include advancing Montana's Good Neighbor Authority program, helping develop the state's newest Shared Stewardship Project in the Lolo National Forest, and supporting a sustainable timber supply for Montana's mills.

"I'm honored, I can't tell you what this means to me," Willy said receiving the award during a ceremony held at the Montana State Capitol. "There are so many people in this group right here that have helped me. Nothing I got done, I got done by myself - everything I did, I had Forest Service partners, I had state partners, and most of all, industry partners, to help me."

The Governor's Forest Products Award recognizes an outstanding person or entity for their work to actively manage Montana forests, responsibly develop forested resources, and promote the use of Montana wood products. Peck's selection honors his lifelong dedication to the industry and his ability to build productive partnerships among communities, agencies, and industry partners.

For more information on Montana Forest Products, see here . For a video recording of the ceremony, see here .

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