| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: March 27, 2026 Contact: Tyler Newcombe Tyler.Newcombe@mt.gov |
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| March 27, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE As a member of the Montana Land Board, State Auditor James Brown is pleased to inform Montana ranchers and farmers about the opportunity to apply for Habitat Conservation Leases managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP). Last year, Brown voted as a member of the Land Board to approve Habitat Conservation Leases covering 112,000 acres of working agricultural land in Montana. These leases offer compensation to landowners in exchange for them agreeing to keep the land in production agriculture and enhance public access. “Although FWP has been working on the Habitat Conservation Lease program for a few years, my recent conversations with hardworking Montana farmers and ranchers revealed that many are still unaware of the program,” Brown said. “That is why I have made it a priority to highlight the benefit of Habitat Conservation Leases and encourage more people to apply before the deadline on April 15, 2026.” Habitat Conservation Leases are not block management; the program is more flexible and landowner-friendly. Additionally, the leases are not funded directly by Montana taxpayers, but rather, by a mix of marijuana tax revenue, proceeds from state hunting licenses, and the federal tax on hunting equipment imposed under the Pittman-Robertson Act. Habitat Montana funds are matched at a 1:3 ratio with federal funds, meaning every dollar from Habitat Montana is supplemented by three federal dollars. As a fourth-generation Montanan, Brown views this program as a chance for rural landowners to uphold and safeguard traditional Montana values. Brown stated: “The Habitat Conservation Lease program puts money in the hands of farmers and ranchers, which can be used, for example, to pay off a mortgage or buy new equipment. Protecting Montana’s farming and ranching community is a personal priority of mine, and this source of funding can make a positive difference for my Montana neighbors. I want to spread the word that applying for a Habitat Conservation Lease could be a good fit for landowners across the state.” For more information, people can visit https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/habitat/habitat-conservation/lease-program. If the public has additional questions about the program or the duties of the Land Board, they are encouraged to contact Mimi Wolok with the Auditor’s Office at (406) 444-7834 or mwolok@mt.gov. ### 840 Helena Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601 (main fax) 406.444.3413 I (securities fax) 406.444.5558 (insurance consumer services fax) 406.444.1980 I (legal fax) 406.444.3499 (phone) 800.332.6148 or 406.444.2040 I (email) csi@mt.gov I (web) www.csimt.gov |
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