DNRC Trust Lands Scoping Notice

DNRC Trust Lands Scoping Notice During the 2003 legislative session, the Montana Legislature enacted §§ 77-2-361 through 77-2-367, MCA, authorizing the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) to sell certain State School Trust Lands and use the proceeds to acquire replacement lands for the benefit of the trust through a process known as Land Banking. The purpose of the Land Banking program is to allow the State to dispose of isolated or scattered tracts that typically lack legal access, generate revenue substantially below their relative market value, or present management challenges for DNRC. Proceeds from these sales are deposited into the Land Banking account and used to acquire lands that are contiguous or blocked with existing state holdings, have legal access, offer greater potential to enhance long-term trust revenue, and improve overall management efficiency for the trust. The DNRC is considering the sale of 520 acres in Cascade County, more particularly described as Township 16 North, Range 1 West, Section 16, N2NW4, E2, NE4SW4, S2SW4. This parcel does not have legal access and is characterized largely by rocky outcrops with native rangeland vegetation. It is expected existing land uses would continue after sale. This tract has been nominated for sale by the Lessee and may meet criteria for sale under Land Banking due to low income production, lack of legal access or low recreational use value. DNRC is conducting an environmental review pursuant to the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) to evaluate potential impacts associated with the proposed sale. This analysis will be completed for all nominated tracts prior to presenting a proposed list to the Board of Land Commissioners (Land Board) for preliminary approval. If preliminary approval is granted, DNRC will obtain appraisals to determine market value and recommend a minimum bid price. The Land Board will then consider establishing a minimum acceptable bid and authorizing the sale. Upon approval, the property would be advertised and offered for sale at public auction. Through this notice, DNRC is soliciting public comments under MEPA regarding the proposed sale of this tract. Additional information about the Land Banking program is available on the DNRC website at: https://dnrc.mt.gov/TrustLand/land-transactions-easements/land-banking. Written comments will be accepted through the end of regular business hours on April 24, 2026. Questions regarding the proposed sale may be directed to (406)438-1877 or Kasydi.lucas2@mt.gov. MNAXLP March 26, April 15 2026 LMTS0483229