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HELENA, Mont. — At the final Land Board meeting of 2025, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen voted to support a series of trust lands initiatives, including timber sales, oil and gas lease sales, and cabin and homesite sales — measures that will generate significant funding for Montana’s public schools.
Secretary Jacobsen motioned to approve timber sales in Lake County, projected to generate $312,000 in revenue. The motion received full support from her Land Board colleagues.
She also backed competitive bids for oil and gas leases, expected to provide more than $10,000 for Montana’s common schools and nearly $1,500 for the University of Montana. In addition, Secretary Jacobsen successfully motioned for final approval of cabin and homesite sales across the state. That unanimous decision will deliver $735,000 in funding for Montana Technological University.
“I’m proud to support our Montana schools,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “The fact that student funding increased in fiscal year 2025 is a huge win for our communities and for public education.”
Fiscal Year 2025 marked a strong year for trust lands management, with highlights including:
- Increased funding for students statewide
- Higher revenues from agriculture and grazing leases
- Expanded minerals management
- Strengthened forest management initiatives
Secretary Jacobsen reaffirmed her commitment to advancing timber projects and other trust lands efforts that sustain Montana’s schools and communities.