Introduction

In this issue we bring our conservation readers some very good news. Thanks to a ferocious struggle by local ranchers against the Tongue River Railroad, a lawsuit by the Northern Cheyenne Tribe against the state, and the high sodium content of Otter Creek coal, it looks like it may well be some time before any harmful development takes place in the Otter Creek Tracts. Given the propensity of the energy industry to continue to use outmoded and highly-polluting thermal power plants, this is great news for the environment of southeast Montana.

Also in this issue we look at the Land Board’s efforts to re-authorize the fledgling and controversial land banking program. While some progress is being made, it is fair to say the significant difference in land values between eastern and western Montana these days is making the program’s goal of selling off isolated tracts and purchasing publicly-accessible lands a lot tougher than originally thought. And with real estate values skyrocketing on a weekly basis, there are some significant concerns that rushing to sell off state lands may not be the most prudent thing to do.

A couple of new access policies for state lands are also on the burner. Of particular interest is a move by the Board to obtain reciprocal access for the public whenever private access is granted across state lands. The info on where to find the new proposals is included in this issue and those readers who value public access to public lands may just want to contact their Land Board members to weigh in on the issue.

Meanwhile, the long-simmering debate over the use of trust land revenues to fund the Trust Land Management Division has been looked at closely by the Legislature’s Environmental Quality Council, which has released a report on the issue. Using trust revenues for funding is also currently being investigated by the Legislative Audit Division, which will issue its findings soon.

And of course with the 2007 Legislative Session coming quickly, those interested in the future of Montana’s 5.2 million acres of state trust lands will want to keep a close eye on the proposals that are popping up from all corners of the state.

Enjoy the newsletter and don’t hesitate to crank out a letter or email to the Land Board to voice your opinion on the issues. And remember, the future of these public lands depends on you. THANKS again!