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HELENA, Mont. – Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen cast votes during Tuesday’s State Board of Land Commissioners (Land Board) meeting to support new habitat conservation leases that will increase public access opportunities for Montanans.
Secretary Jacobsen made a motion to approve habitat conservation leases totaling more than 27,000 acres in Garfield, McCone, and Phillips counties that will conserve important wildlife habitat, keep agricultural lands in production, and open additional acres to the public for hunting and other outdoor recreation. Her Land Board colleagues unanimously supported the motion.
“Montanans expect us to stand up for our way of life – that means protecting and increasing public access and supporting our working lands,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “These habitat conservation leases check every box. They expand access for hunters and recreationists, while keeping ranchers and farmers on the landscape.”
In addition to supporting habitat conservation leases, Secretary Jacobsen voted to advance a timber sale that will provide jobs for Montana’s timber professionals and generate new dollars for Montana classrooms. The logging project in Lincoln County continues Secretary Jacobsen’s record of backing responsible timber management that sustains local economies while contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to the state’s school trust each year. This Sophie Lake Timber Sale is estimated to generate nearly $75,000 in revenue for Montana schools.
Secretary Jacobsen also approved easements that will improve key services for Montanans, including upgraded water, electric, and fiber‑optic infrastructure. These easements will help expand and modernize essential services while maintaining the trust’s revenue stream.
“Whether it’s public access, timber, or critical infrastructure, my focus on the Land Board is simple: do what’s right for Montana families and Montana schools,” Secretary Jacobsen said. “I’ll continue supporting projects that protect our access, strengthen our legacy industries, and keep the Treasure State the Last Best Place.”