HELENA, Mont. — Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen continued her legacy on the Montana Land Board by protecting the treasures and resources that make Montana the Treasure State and the Last Best Place.

During the December meeting of the Land Board, Secretary Jacobsen’s votes generated estimated revenue of more than $7 million, with nearly $6 million of the estimated revenue set to benefit Montana’s K-12 schools.

During the meeting, Secretary Jacobsen made a motion for the Land Board to approve a historic oil and gas lease sale totaling more than $5.4 million in Fallon, Richland, Roosevelt, and Toole counties. The Secretary’s motion passed unanimously.

“This was another historic oil and gas lease sale that utilizes Montana’s natural resources to benefit our schools,”said Secretary Jacobsen. “In September, I proudly voted ‘yes’ for an oil and gas lease sale that raised $2.85 million for Montana schools. This significant sale nearly doubles that amount and provides substantial funding for our schools. I want to thank the DNRC for ensuring that Montana’s natural resources are used to maximize revenue potential on our state trust lands.”

The Land Board also approved one of the largest public access acquisitions in northwest Montana through the Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement. Secretary Jacobsen previously proposed a “Montana solution” to ensure the protection of both surface and mineral rights while maintaining public access for Montanans.

“Faced with the potential threat of restricting public access—such as eliminating camping sites, closing popular fishing areas, installing gates on key hunting grounds, and shutting down trails for motorized vehicles including side-by-sides, ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobiles—I’m proud to have taken a stand to ensure that Montanans and these recreational activities are protected. We must preserve our identity as the Last Best Place and the Treasure State,” said Secretary Jacobsen.