A Century of Stewardship: Montana's State Forests at 100
1925 – 2025
Betts School, Cascade County, Montana in the early 1900's (left), the Swan River State Forest (middle) and a log deck on a timber sale in the Thompson River State Forest (right).
For 100 years, Montana’s state forests have stood as a testament to careful stewardship and enduring public benefit. When the State Legislature established seven state forests in 1925, their vision was to protect watersheds and promote sustainable forest management.
Today, the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) continues that legacy by managing Montana’s forested state trust lands to support education and public institutions—generating an average of $10.5 million each year for schools and communities across the state.
Explore the stories and history behind each of Montana’s state forests through the online story map below.
Centennial State Forests Story Map
Pay your State Trust Lands invoice online.
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We Fund Public Education
Montana’s schools and other public institutions benefit from a unique funding source—state-owned lands known as Trust Lands. These lands are managed to generate revenue that directly supports Montana’s public education system.
Agriculture and Grazing Leases
We manage 4.7 million acres of State Trust Lands for agriculture and grazing leases. These lands play a vital role in supporting the state’s agricultural economy while simultaneously generating revenue for the trusts. This sustainable approach ensures long-term benefits for both Montana’s farmers and ranchers and our educational system
Real Estate Management
This program supports diverse real estate activities, including commercial, residential, and renewable energy leases. These efforts also involve easements, land sales, exchanges, and licensing, generating revenue while promoting responsible development and benefiting trust beneficiaries.
Minerals Management
We oversee the management and leasing of state-owned mineral resources. This includes agreements for oil and gas, coal, metalliferous and non-metalliferous minerals, as well as sand and gravel.
Forest Management
Our Forest Management Program oversees 793,000 acres of state trust forest lands, balancing sustainable timber production with resource conservation. Our team of specialists ensures all timber sales and forest activities are carefully planned, reviewed, and approved to generate income for trust beneficiaries while protecting the long-term health of Montana’s forests.
Recreation on State Trust Lands
Montana State Trust Lands are open for public recreation, but a Conservation License is required for legally accessible activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. By obtaining the proper license and recreating responsibly, you help keep these working lands open for future enjoyment.