FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2020

MCV applauds approval of 700 new acres of public land

Montana Land Board unanimously supports two popular land acquisitions

(BILLINGS, Mont.) – Montana Conservation Voters released the following statement from Executive Director Aaron Murphy in response to the Montana Land Board’s unanimous vote to approve two locally driven public land acquisitions: the Stumptown addition to the Garrity Mountain Wildlife Management Area near Anaconda and the C. Ben White acquisition near Hamilton:

 “MCV applauds the Montana Land Board for understanding the value of both the C. Ben White and Stumptown acquisitions and more important—the pricelessness of more access to more public land in our state. These Montana-driven projects are important additions to Montana’s public land treasures, and they will help protect Montana’s outdoor heritage for generations to come.”

MCVcast, the podcast of Montana Conservation Voters, this week features an in-depth discussion about both projects. The episode is available online HERE.

The Montana Land Board is comprised of the Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor, and Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Both projects were supported by their surrounding communities, county commissioners and local legislators. They will increase access to Montana’s public lands.

The C. Ben White project will provide permanent fishing access to the West Fork of the Bitterroot River and protect nearly 100 acres of critical habitat for fish, wildlife and outdoor recreation.

The Stumptown addition will expand the footprint of the Mount Garrity Wildlife Management Area by 600 acres. The Stumptown acquisition will create a new urban fishery, expand public access and protect critical habitat for elk, mule deer and moose.

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