Alumni Spotlight: Mike Duffy – From St. Francis School to Montana Tradition

St. Francis School is proud to highlight alumnus Mike Duffy, Class of 1975, whose dedication to forestry and conservation continues to make a meaningful impact in Montana.

Mike recently played a central role in a cherished Montana holiday tradition—the harvest of the 2024 State Capitol Christmas tree. On November 26, 2024, a 40-foot Engelmann Spruce was carefully selected and harvested from Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) state trust lands near Bozeman as part of an active forest management project contracted through Mike Duffy Logging.

As the contract logger for the area, Mike not only ensured the tree was selected with care but also prepared the site for the Governor’s visit, even chopping wood rounds for seating around a warm fire. When Governor Greg Gianforte complimented the cozy setup, Mike jokingly replied, “Oh yeah, just for royalty,” showcasing his good humor.

Mike and the Governor worked together using a specialized piece of equipment called a feller buncher to harvest the tree. After scouting the area with the Montana Logging Association, both a fir and spruce had been chosen for the Governor’s approval, but the spruce maintained its pristine shape, making it the perfect choice for the Capitol rotunda. The tree was carefully loaded onto a logging truck for its journey to Helena, where it was beautifully decorated and displayed for Montanans to enjoy throughout the Christmas season.

Mike’s career in forestry is rooted in a deep respect for the land and responsible forest management. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Forestry (Resource Production Management) from Humboldt State University in 1999 and now operates as a sole proprietor under Mike Duffy Logging, providing forestry services and products to federal land management agencies. He is also actively involved in the industry as a member of the executive committee for the Montana Logging Association.

Mike’s dedication to his profession and his community spirit reflects the core values of stewardship and service that St. Francis School strives to instill in all its students. His hard work not only supports sustainable land management but also brought the joy of Christmas to the entire state of Montana.

Thank you, Mike, for your outstanding contributions and for making St. Francis School proud!