As we first reported in July, the Montana Land Board did vote to go forward with a proposal that would more than double the grazing fee for state land.
The proposed change increases the multiplier used to calculate the annual grazing fee from 7.54 to 13.18. Four public hearings have been scheduled on the increase and a public comment period is now open. It will close on September 30th.
The basic information on the meetings and comment period is below. For more details on the proposed increase, CLICK HERE.
MEETINGS:
The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation will hold four public hearings at 7:00 p.m. on the following dates:
- September 12, 2011, at the University of Montana Western, Lewis and Clark Room, Mathews Hall, 710 S. Atlantic, Dillon, Montana;
- September 13, 2011, at the MSU Great Falls Campus, College of Technology, Heritage Hall Auditorium, 2100 16th Avenue South, Great Falls, Montana;
- September 14, 2011, at the Glasgow High School Auditorium, #1 Scotty Pride Drive, Glasgow, Montana; and
- September 15, 2011, at the Miles City Community College, 2715 Dickinson Street, Room 106, Miles City, Montana.
SUBMITTING COMMENTS:
Concerned persons may submit their data, views, or arguments, either orally or in writing, at the hearings. Written data, views, or arguments may also be submitted to Kevin Chappell, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, 1625 Eleventh Avenue, Helena, MT 59620; telephone (406) 444-3847; fax (406) 444-2684; e-mail grazingfee@mt.gov, and must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 30, 2011.
© Northern Ag Network 2011
Haylie Shipp
