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Land Board approves Land Exchange Policy update after public comment; 30-day scoping amendment fails
Summary
After extensive public comment from hunting, conservation and agricultural groups, the Board approved an update to the Land Exchange Policy May 18, 2026; a Governor-proposed amendment to require a 30‑day public scoping failed 2-3, and the main motion passed 3-1 with one abstention. The Board also unanimously added a June agenda item concerning a shooting range near Lincoln.
Helena — The Montana Board of Land Commissioners on May 18, 2026, approved an update to the Land Exchange Policy after hearings and a lengthy public comment period that included conservation and hunting groups.
DNRC Director Amanda Kaster introduced Item 0526-3, and Commissioner James Brown and DNRC staff summarized the proposed policy changes. Public commenters representing a range of outdoor and agricultural interests addressed the Board, including Russell Fruits of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Jeff Herbert of the Montana Sportsman's Alliance, Clayton Elliott of Montana Trout Unlimited, Raylee Honeycutt of the Montana Stock Growers Association, Carly Johnson of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Ben Lamb of the Montana Conservation Society, and Kevin Ferrin of the Montana Wildlife Federation.
Commissioner Brown moved to approve the Land Exchange Policy update. Governor Greg Gianforte moved to amend the motion to require a 30‑day public scoping period and defer final approval to the July 2026 agenda; that amendment failed on a 2-3 vote. The original motion to approve the policy update then carried 3-1 with one abstention.
Board discussion touched on the scope of public input and technical aspects of exchanges; DNRC staff fielded questions about implementation and timelines. Following the Land Exchange Policy vote, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen successfully moved to add consideration of a shooting range near Lincoln, Montana, to the June agenda; that motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: The Land Exchange Policy update is recorded as approved in the minutes; DNRC staff will be responsible for policy implementation and any subsequent public scoping or notifications required under the policy.
