The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has received a land exchange nomination from 4-B Properties LLC (4-B). Under this exchange proposal, 4-B would transfer 480 acres of  private land to DNRC in exchange for 600 acres of state trust lands located in McCone County. This exchange would remove a 600 acre, land locked parcel without legal or administrative access from state-ownership. The state would acquire 320 acres with legal access and potential recreational opportunities as well as an additional 160 acres with administrative access.

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

Preliminary Land Board Approval Granted November 18, 2024.

Current Status:

Conducting Formal Research and Investigations. 

A Public Hearing will be scheduled when all formal research investigations are complete.

More information is available in the following documents:

Land Exchange Policy

Land Exchange Flowchart

4-B Properties Vicinity Map

4-B Properties Land to be Acquired

4-B Properties State Land to be Exchanged

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