Business View Magazine - April 2024

Beaverhead Deer-Lodge National Forest recognized BTM’s important Southwest Montana location and approached it for a Heli base relocation which would enhance wildland firefighting efforts. Ryan states, “They have several small helicopter bases at forest service offices but wanted an airport with an FBO.” Mooney, with fueling capabilities and ample space, was an ideal candidate for the Forest Service’s needs. The collaboration was a natural fit and led to a Heli base that has become a central asset for firefighting in the region. The synergy between BTM and the U.S. Forest Service exemplifies how to approach and manage the challenges posed by forest fires. During the summer, Ryan explains the airport plays a major role in ensuring resident safety as smoke becomes threatening. “Summers are smoke-filled from June until October.” The Heli base is pivotal in deploying helicopters for firefighting missions. This support is required for immediate fire suppression and broader concerns in areas affected by seasonal infernos. Bert Mooney’s commitment is clear in its willingness to provide resources like hangar space for the Heli base and its crew. “In a busy summer, we may have 15 fire service helicopters based here, or we could have one or two,” states Ryan. Long-term planning includes expanding the Heli base and leveraging the airport’s infrastructure to improve response times across the Beaverhead Deer Lodge Forest and vicinity.The central location allows emergency personnel to fly to critical spots in 40 minutes, making it an invaluable hub for wildland firefighting operations. BTM’s significance extends beyond firefighting. The airport’s focus on enhancing facilities, expanding general aviation services, and steering economic growth underscores its influence on tourism and the broader economic landscape. FUTURE PRIORITIES Bert Mooney Airport contributes to the vicinity’s prosperity and has long-term plans for economic development projects, such as a strip mall. However, Ryan’s immediate focus is installing a new passenger PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Visit Southwest Montana www.southwestmt.com Located between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, Southwest Montana features 22 majestic mountain ranges, blue ribbon streams and rivers, hot springs, ghost towns, and abundant wildlife. Get off the highway and enjoy locally owned restaurants, breweries, shopping, and lodging experiences. boarding bridge. “That is our number one priority right now.” Number two is hangar development, which will expand general services by attracting more leases and private jet traffic. Given the proximity to high- end resorts and the location among national parks, this is an attainable goal. Ryan adds,“Bert Mooney is working with the U.S. Forest Service and the USDA, looking to expand along the I-15 and I-90 corridors in the next five years, and we are central to that intersection.” Bert Mooney Airport continues assisting the Forest Service by any means necessary to downgrade any danger to residents, tourists, and the pristine and irreplaceable wonder of Montana. In Butte, the great outdoors is more than just a backdrop—it is a way of life. 168 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 04