Proposed conservation easement would provide perpetual access to lands within Missouri River Breaks NMon
Public comments are being sought for a $750,000 conservation easement in Choteau County, which is intended to provide perpetual access to 14,200 acres of public lands in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.
The easement would be on the 4,900-acre Moline cattle ranch, 20 miles east of Geraldine. It’s mainly a native sagebrush grassland, and home to white-tailed and mule deer, antelope, grouse and partridge. The parcel also provides critical breeding and wintering habitat for numerous wildlife species.
According to an environmental assessment, the public lands — including Moline Ranch deeded acres — have no guaranteed public hunting or recreational access without the potential easement. Under the agreement, the Moline Ranch would allow foot travel in the easement area during daylight hours for wildlife viewing throughout the year, with landowner permission.