Habitat conservation in Montana undergoing a 'sea change'

Two years ago when Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks quietly unveiled a proposal to put Habitat Montana funds toward 30- and 40-year conservation leases, proponents described it as a “new conservation planning tool” while opponents warned of a “sea change” that could weaken one of the state’s most popular habitat protection programs.

Now, with Fish and Wildlife Commission approval secured for the first round of Habitat Conservation Leases and another set of agreements open for public comment, Montanans are learning how the program works: An interested landowner describes their property’s potent...