Proposed SW Montana Land Swap Drawing Opposition

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Public comments are running four-to-one against a proposed land swap in southwest Montana amid concerns Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is getting little in return for giving up prime elk habitat.

The agency wants to turn over to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation about 17,000 acres at the Robb-Ledford Wildlife Management Area.

In exchange, it would acquire 16 tracts of land of about 10,000 acres on the Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area, 13 tracts of about 5,000 acres at the Beartooth Wildlife Management Area, 11 parcels totaling about 3,400 acres on the Sun River Wildlife Management Area, and four parcels totaling about 640 acres on the Blackleaf Wildlife Management Area.

Officials tell the Billings Gazette that it's early in the process and there is room for flexibility.