Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks introduced a proposal two years ago to use Habitat Montana funds for 30- and 40-year conservation leases. Supporters saw it as a new conservation planning tool, while opponents feared it could weaken the state’s habitat protection programs.
The program now involves interested landowners outlining their property’s potential for habitat, public access, and lease preference. The applications are evaluated and ranked by FWP, forwarded to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for approval.
While some skeptics have become proponents of the program, others criticize its focus on temporary habitat protections. The program aims to put 500,000 acres of prairie habitat under conservation leases in the next five years, requiring $35-40 million in funding from Habitat Montana primarily.
Concerns have been raised about weakening Habitat Montana, which has protected wildlife habitat through land purchases and conservation easements since 1987. The program is viewed as an opportunity to offer landowners more options to protect habitats without eliminating agriculture.
Policy specialist Garrett Titus supports the program but has concerns about the potential impact on permanent conservation easements. Increased transparency on development threats and economic aspects of projects is desired.
Public access, evaluation, and conservation value of the proposed projects have also been points of concern for critics of the program. The lack of detailed information on habitat quality and recreation use has raised questions about the program’s effectiveness.
FWP Wildlife Division Administrator Ken McDonald sees the program as a way to work with landowners and protect habitats while providing additional conservation options.
Public comments are being taken on proposed leases, including those from the 52 Ranch, Williams Family Trust, and QT Ranch until August 9.
