wfn.org | Recovery continues from Montana fires

[NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG]

Oct. 24, 2000 News media contact: Linda Bloom·(212) 870-3803·New York
10-21-71B{486}

By United Methodist News Service

Although the fires that plagued Montana over the summer have been
extinguished, rebuilding efforts will continue until winter weather sets in.

United Methodists are among those working cooperatively to replace fences,
replant grasslands and provide other services for recovery. The United
Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) also is taking donations for
assistance.

Members of Townsend United Methodist Church, in south central Montana, have
taken the lead in feeding Mennonite volunteers who are replacing fencing,
according to the Rev. Mike Hart.

The church received an initial $10,000 grant from UMCOR for its work, with
an additional $15,000 to help purchase wire for the fencing. UMCOR also paid
$2,500 toward a post pounder purchased by the Mennonites. Local people have
donated money to buy food for the volunteers.

Hart said this is the first opportunity the congregation has had for such an
ecumenical collaboration. "They've enjoyed working with the other
congregations and appreciated how people have kind of come together," he
added.

The Mennonite volunteers are expected to continue work at least through Nov.
15. "Out of about 200 miles of fence (to be replaced), they'll probably have
30 or 40 miles done before they quit," Hart said. Winter weather will mean
the suspension of the work until late next spring, he said.

Hart is concerned about the need to control soil erosion, either by
selectively cutting trees so they fall across the slopes of the land or by
lining square bales of hay across the lower portions of gullies or slopes.
But he acknowledged that time is running out to get such work done.

The United Methodist Yellowstone Annual (regional) Conference has issued an
appeal for funds to assist with fire-related property damage in parts of
Montana. Donations can be made to UMCOR's Advance No. 901670-1, earmarked
for Montana fires. Checks can be placed in church offering plates or mailed
to UMCOR at 475 Riverside Dr., Room 330, New York, NY 10115. Credit-card
donations can be made by calling (800) 554-8583. 
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United Methodist News Service
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