The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has received a land exchange nomination from Fitch Inc. Under this exchange proposal, Fitch Inc. would transfer 640 acres of  private land to DNRC in exchange for 640 acres of state trust lands located in Garfield County. This exchange would remove a 640 acre, land locked parcel without legal or administrative access from state-ownership. The state would acquire 640 acres with legal access and potential recreational opportunities.

DNRC reviews and processes land exchanges on behalf of the State Board of Land Commissioners under its Land Exchange Policy. Land exchange proposals are analyzed using the following criteria:

1. Equal or greater value
2. Similar navigable lake or stream values
3. Equal or greater income to the trust
4. Equal or greater acreage
5. Consolidation of state trust lands
6. Potential for long-term appreciation
7. Improved or equal access to state or public lands

Current Status:

Soliciting Public Comments prior to presentation to the State Board of Land Commissioners.

Public Comments can be submitted by emailing DNRCLandExchangePublic@mt.gov, or by mailing your comments to our Eastern Land Office at 85 Garryowen Rd, Miles City, MT 59301 by 5:00PM, Friday, May 15, 2026.

More information is available in the following documents:

Land Exchange Policy

Land Exchange Flowchart

Fitch Inc. Public Scoping Notice

Fitch Inc. Vicinity Map

Fitch Inc. Land to be Acquired

Fitch Inc. State Trust Land to be Exchanged

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