Land Board - Video [Source] Translate

Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras chaired the meeting in the absence of Governor Gianforte. Attorney General Knutson attended online, and Deputy Director Aaron Weisgerber was present as Director Castor was traveling. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the February agenda and January minutes, both of which passed unanimously. The first action item discussed was the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) Habitat Conservation Leases (Item 0226-1). FWP proposed enrolling four private properties totaling 27,141 acres into the Prairie Habitat Conservation Lease Program for $3,097,581. The leases aim to conserve high-priority rangeland habitats while supporting agricultural activities. Director Christy Clark presented the item, highlighting the program's success in conserving habitats and providing public access. The board unanimously approved the item, with Attorney General Knutson voting in favor. The next item was the Timbersail, Sophie Lake timber sale (Item 0226-2), which involved five harvest units and an estimated harvest volume of 9,563 tons. The minimum bid was set, and the item was also unanimously approved. Item 0226-3 involved easements across several counties, valued at $39,980, which passed unanimously as well. The board then discussed water rights (Item 0226-4), where the DNRC identified 18 statements of claim related to state trust lands. After a closed executive session, the board approved the request to file objections on these water rights, with a vote of four to one. The final action item was regarding bison grazing proposals (Item 0226-5). A letter from the American Prairie Reserve raised questions about stocking rates for bison on state trust lands. After public comment, the board went into another closed session. Upon resuming, a motion was made to have the DNRC review legal authorities and develop a rule-making package regarding grazing lease stocking rates, specifically addressing the absence of bison in existing provisions. This motion passed unanimously. Additionally, Attorney General Knutson proposed developing a policy favoring grazing leases for production livestock operations, which also passed unanimously. Commissioner Brown introduced a new matter regarding updating the land exchange policy, which was also unanimously approved for discussion at the May meeting. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.