The Montana Land Board approved four Habitat Conservation Leases (HCL) proposed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks protecting more than 27,000 acres of rangeland habitats and providing public access for both recreation and hunting.
The four HCLs were approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission at their regular meetings in August and December. The Montana Land Board approval was the final step before finalizing the agreements.
"These leases are proactive tools to help landowners, maintain or improve wildlife habitat and provide public access," said FWP Director Christy Clark. "We're grateful for the support of the Land Board and are working hard on more projects like these."
All four HCLs are located in eastern Montana. The Dunbar HCL is in Philips County and is 4,049 acres. The IOU Ranch HCL is 9,444 acres and located in Garfield County. The Lone Tree Land & Livestock Ranch HCL is 8,557 acres and located in Garfield County. The Rock Barn Ranch HCL is 5,091 acres and located in McCone County.
The four easements together will provide a minimum of 312 hunter days and 936 recreation days. They cost of the four easements was about $3.1 million. All four are 40 year leases.
HCLs are voluntary, incentive-based agreement with private landowners conserving high-priority prairie habitats while providing for traditional agriculture operations. They are typically 30- or 40-year leases. They also include an agreement for public access.