HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen voted to approve items generating an estimated revenue of more than $1.5 million during the December Board of Land Commissioners (Land Board) meeting.

Each month, the Board of Land Commissioners – Secretary of State, Governor, Attorney General, State Auditor, and Superintendent of Public Schools – meet to discuss and vote on decisions surrounding Montana’s state trust lands operated by the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC).

December’s meeting included the widely supported Owen Sowerwine Conservation Easement east of Kalispell. Secretary Jacobsen voted to protect the public land, which is an attraction for outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike, bird watch, photograph, and more. The unanimous approval generated an estimated revenue of $970,000 for Montana’s K-12 schools.

“I was proud to vote yes on this project, and I’m happy to see the great management of this public land continue,” said Secretary Jacobsen, who thanked the Flathead Land Trust, Flathead Audubon, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for their efforts to complete the easement. “Visitors near and far can continue to enjoy this riparian habitat and its more than 150 species of birds, all while providing revenue for our Montana schools.”

In total, December’s meeting produced an estimated revenue of nearly $1.2 million for the Montana Common Schools trust. The Montana Tech trust would receive an estimated $390,000 through the DNRC’s Cabin Site program.

Secretary Jacobsen and the Land Board also approved various easements that will provide increased accessibility to Montana communities.