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Montana DNRC Forested Trust Lands |
HCP Benefits
Upholds Mission of TLMD
Our goal is to manage the State of Montana's trust land resources to produce revenue for the trust beneficiaries while considering environmental factors and protecting the future income-generating capacity of the land.
With an HCP in place, DNRC can better produce revenues for trust beneficiaries while protecting the future of trust lands and making a valuable contribution to species conservation.
Access Acquisition
An HCP will facilitate the acquisition of access to state lands across federal ownership when the nexus of the ESA is invoked. Currently, the USFWS reviews projects proposed on state and private land when access is required across federally managed lands (i.e., USFS, BLM). Access is not granted across federal lands until the USFWS has issued a biological opinion of the effects to listed species. With an HCP in place, issuance of USFWS biological opinions will likely be expedited.
ESA Compliance
By negotiating an HCP with the USFWS, the DNRC can better identify the thresholds for avoiding "take" of listed species. Having clearly defined thresholds allows DNRC to operate up to the point that management activities comply with the terms of the ITP. In addition, the HCP will more clearly define DNRC's role in species conservation under the ESA. By planning for long-term conservation of listed and unlisted species, DNRC will contribute to recovery and help prevent future listings. In addition, having an HCP in place will also strengthen the continuing compatibility of species conservation and trust land management.
Increased Flexibility in Management
The ESA prohibits all Federal, State and non-government entities from "taking" listed species and their habitats. Because listed species occur on forested trust lands, DNRC forest managers must consider the habitat needs of listed species when timber sales are planned. Depending on the habitat requirements of the particular species and the biological condition of the forest stands to be managed, accommodating listed species can impact timber sale volumes and trust revenues. The HCP will likely create opportunities that expand DNRC's ability to manage forested trust lands. Adaptive management will also be incorporated into the plan to accommodate shifts in the landscape, wildlife population, demographics and science.
Long Term Assurances
Having an HCP in place will provide DNRC assurances that management practices can be sustained over time, independent of others' activities or changing land use patterns.
