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HELENA, Mont. — As an avid user of public lands and a fourth-generation Montanan, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen voted to increase and protect public access opportunities during the October Land Board meeting at the Montana State Capitol.
Secretary Jacobsen joined her all-Republican colleagues on the Land Board in approving 14 habitat conservation leases (HCLs) covering more than 35,000 acres in central and eastern Montana. Each of the 14 private properties will be enrolled in an HCL, protecting habitats while keeping agricultural land in production and providing increased public access for Montana hunters.
Secretary Jacobsen also strongly advocated for all Montana recreationists, from hunters and anglers to hikers and runners, when considering public access opportunities in Phase II of the Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement. In voting yes to the 53,000-acre acquisition by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Secretary Jacobsen also made it clear that Montana’s legacy industries like mining and timber should be supported and protected.
“I did not take this decision lightly. I’ve lost sleep over it, and I’ve been thinking about it for six months. I appreciate and am a champion for the Montana Mining Association and the mining industry, along with public access—the hunters, fishermen, and everyone who recreates on public land,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “I believe in public access, I believe in private property rights, and I also believe in mineral development and mineral dominance in our state. I think we can have all of those things.”
The Land Board ultimately approved Phase II of the Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement with a 4-1 vote.
During last year’s passage of the first phase of the Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement, Secretary Jacobsen championed language to protect both the surface and mineral rights to continue responsible natural resource development.
In addition to protecting Montana’s public access opportunities with nearly 88,000 combined acres between the Habitat Conservation Leases and the Conservation Easement, Secretary Jacobsen and her colleagues also supported three timber sales in western Montana estimated to generate nearly $700,000 for Montana schools. The Land Board also approved several easements, including a public pedestrian bridge in Whitefish.
Secretary Jacobsen’s support for these projects reflects her commitment to public access, recreation opportunities, and the stewardship of Montana’s public lands.