Facts

The state's opportunity to purchase these lands is made possible as part of the larger approximately 310,000-acre purchase of Plum Creek lands announced in June 2008 by The Nature Conservancy and The Trust for Public Land. The purchase is taking place in three phases. The Conservancy and Trust for Public Land will hold the lands temporarily, and ultimately convey them to a mix of state, federal and private conservation ownership.

State purchase of 111,000 acres of these Plum Creek lands would allow continued recreational access alongside sustainable timber production. As with other state-owned forests, timber harvest on these lands is compatible with pursuits such as hunting and fishing. Purchase of these lands would also reduce the state's fire suppression costs which are growing exponentially as houses are built in the forest.

In addition to reducing fire suppression costs, state purchase would consolidate state ownership in places such as Fish Creek and the Swan State Forest, thus reducing management costs and conflicts. Best of all, purchasing this much land in one transaction represents a good deal for the citizens of Montana. This investment provides immediate payoffs and long-term benefits across Montana that will far exceed the initial cost. We can act now or regret it later.