HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-14-23 Public Comment - H. Richards - regarding Draft Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Management PlanFrom:Jon Henderson
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL]Email comments submitted at Jon.Henderson@Bozeman.net regarding Draft Gallatin Valley Sensitive LandsManagement Plan
Date:Friday, November 3, 2023 2:15:04 PM
Attachments:image001.png
FYI – please see the following comment regarding the Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan, to be
recorded as part of the public record:
Jon Henderson | Strategic Services Director
City of Bozeman
406-582-2250
jon.henderson@bozeman.net
From: Richards, Hoyt <hrichards@mt.gov>
Sent: Friday, November 3, 2023 1:59 PM
To: Jon Henderson <Jon.Henderson@BOZEMAN.NET>
Cc: Boyer, Jennifer <jennifer.boyer@gallatin.mt.gov>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Email comments submitted at Jon.Henderson@Bozeman.net regarding Draft Gallatin
Valley Sensitive Lands Management Plan
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Thursday, November 2, 2023
Dear Mr. Henderson:
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) appreciates the opportunity to participate and
comment on the Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan. This email provides you information on DNRC’s mandate to
manage properties, both surface and subsurface, for their highest and best use while protecting the long-term income
generation for the Trusts as described below. Additionally, this email presents to you DNRC’s obligation of providing wildfire
protection services and maintaining a healthy forest.
DNRC has Trust Lands Management and forest health responsibilities. When Montana was accepted into the Union through
the Enabling Act in 1889, the Congress of the United States granted lands to the State of Montana, for Common Schools (K-
12) support. The DNRC is responsible for ensuring sustainable development of the State’s Trust Lands resources (mineral,
natural gas, oil, timber, water, commercial land development and other resources). These resources are managed to produce
revenues for trust beneficiaries while considering environmental factors and protecting the future income generating
capacity of the land. Additionally, DNRC has the responsibility to assist in managing the State’s forests. These duties include
fire protection, forestry assistance, implementing the Good Neighbor Authority, executing the Montana Forest Action Plan,
and policy-planning & outreach.
DNRC has interests within the proposed study areas. The Study Area contains 41,698 acres of State Trust Lands surface
acreage (35,127 acres of classified agriculture/grazing and 5,776 acres of classified forest), and 73,954 acres of subsurface
mineral rights. In addition to the Trust Lands, 51,216 acres of Montana Forest Action Plan priority areas have been identified
of which 22,823 acres considered in poor forest health and / or elevated fire risk.
Regarding Trust Land Management, DNRC manages its properties for the highest and best use while protecting the long-term
income generating capacity of these lands. DNRC determines this on a case-by-case basis. DNRC seeks alignment between
your plan’s objectives and DNRC’s mandate when opportunities are presented. When alignment is not present, DNRC is
required by law to move forward with management of Montana’s Trust Lands with the highest and best use in mind.
DNRC has a close working relationship with both the City of Bozeman and Gallatin County to restore forest health, reduce
wildfire risk, and provide wildfire protection services. We look forward to continuing these relationships while restoring
forest health, protecting high risks assets from wildfire, and above all ensuring the safety of the firefighting community to the
best of our abilities.
Please reach out to me if you have any additional questions or discussions. Thank you for considering our comments.
Hoyt Richards | Central Land Office Area Manager
Central Land Office, FTLD
Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
8001 N. Montana, Helena MT 59602
DESK: 406-458-3501 MOBILE: 406-422-8962 EMAIL: hrichards@mt.gov
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