FWP, DNRC Hope to Acquire Milk River Ranch

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The Montana Land Board will be meeting Monday and one action item on the agenda that we’ve seen spark a lot of interest is the proposed acquisition of the Milk River Ranch north of Gilford in north-central Montana.  This would be a joint acquisition between Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the DNRC.  

 

The ranch straddles the Milk River and contains approximately 4,504 acres of grazing and farmland.  Pros for the acquisition for the agencies include the utilization of the ranch’s wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.  It’ll also consolidate some state land as it’s immediately adjacent to state school trust lands.  However, we’re seeing some of the areas landowners expressing a lot of concern in allowing the government to buy up more property.  Montana FWP let us know on Friday that the future management of the ranch, if approved by the Land Board and the FWP Commission, may potentially include livestock grazing.

 

A map of the ranch and production details can be found HERE and the Land Board’s agenda and meeting documents are also posted ONLINE.  

 

Land Board members include Governor Brian Schweitzer, Attorney General Steve Bullock, Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Monica Lindeen, and Secretary of State Linda McCulloch.  

 

Montana Land Board meetings are broadcast live online.  Once the meeting begins, you can listen in by going to the DNRC’s website and clicking on “Live Meeting Broadcast.”

 

 

 

© Northern Ag Network 2012

Haylie Shipp

 

 

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