50 Thousand Acres In Montana Approved For Habitat Conservation Leases

Since taking office, Governor Greg Gianforte has spearheaded conservation efforts in Montana by acquiring over 50,000 acres for habitat conservation leases or (HLCs).

This move aims to enhance public access, maintain agricultural productivity, and preserve critical habitat across Montana.

Habitat Conservation Leases in Montana

Habitat Conservation Leases are voluntary, incentive-based agreements with private landowners that help ensure the conservation of high-priority habitats while traditional agricultural activities, primarily livestock grazing, continue.

Landowners commit to retaining wildlife habitats for 30 or 40-year terms.

These eight eastern Montana HCLs total 51,635 acres and are valued at over $6 million.

Six of these leases will be funded entirely by Habitat Montana, and two will be split between Habitat Montana and FWP’s Migratory Bird Wetland Program.

Currently, FWP administers 51 leases totaling 330,193 acres.

Related Reading: Successful Grizzly Bear Translocation From MT to WY

Governor Gianforte emphasized...

“Our top priority will continue to be to increase public access while preserving our treasured lands and habitats for generations to come,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Through habitat conservation leases, we’re providing conservation incentives to landowners, supporting our leading industries, and protecting our way of life.”

Montana Conservation Groups

Many conservation groups in Montana have supported the expansion of HCL's in the state.

The groups include...

• Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
• The Boone and Crockett Club
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

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