County agrees to enroll Treasure County land in state block‑management hunting program, explores longer habitat lease

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) representative Steve Atwood described a block‑management option and a possible habitat‑lease alternative for Treasure County land and asked whether the county would like to participate. Atwood said FWP would reimburse block‑management cooperators on a per‑100‑day basis and provided maps and an estimate for Treasure County enrollment.

Atwood said the block‑management enrollment would generate an estimated $4,242 for the county for the coming season if the county participates with the PB Ranch block management area. He described administrative requirements — maps, signage, a cooperator contact and a sign‑in book or online signup option — and explained that cooperative landowners are reimbursed based on a multi‑year average of recorded "100‑day" sign‑ups.

Commissioners asked about trespass frequency, administrative workload and the county's right to temporarily close areas for ranch operations; Atwood said the county retains authority to restrict public access on county land as needed and that FWP attorneys cover recreational liability within the program. After discussion, a commissioner moved that Treasure County enroll the county parcel in the block‑management program; the motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.

Commissioners asked staff to provide the parcel list and maps so FWP can finalize maps and printing and to assign a county contact who will receive inquiries from hunters. Atwood also described a longer habitat conservation lease (multi‑decade) as an option for a separate funding stream; commissioners asked to study that option and to consider whether a multi‑year lease would meet county needs before committing.