Weyerhaeuser land sale threatens access--again

[fireweed]

As expected, Weyerhaeuser is selling off its holdings in Montana and the new buyers are notorious for blocking access. 

https://www.hungryhorsenews.com/breaking_news/20191220/weyerhaeuser_deal_could_block_access_to_thousands_of_acres_of_land_lincoln_county_officials_say

[257 Wby Mag]

And what would you recommend?

[Alan K]

The states/feds need to sit down at the table and do some land swapping to get rid of all of this checkerboarding. It's in everyone's interest to be blocked up, and you could avoid public land becoming landlocked inholdings. 

[bigtex]

The states/feds need to sit down at the table and do some land swapping to get rid of all of this checkerboarding. It's in everyone's interest to be blocked up, and you could avoid public land becoming landlocked inholdings. 

Land swaps with federal land requires congressional and presidential approval. Even swaps that aren't controversial can take several years for their bill to pass in Congress.

While I certainly don't disagree with you, its not as easy as it sounds.

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[trophyhunt]

These brothers aren’t making many friends, they need a blanket party!  I’m not criticizing them for buying up land all over, but blocking public land that people have rights to is just wrong.

[Buckhunter24]

Like the article says, Stimson is a solid  company its too bad they arent the buyer. This is a great block of land for hunting and general recreation I hope it isnt blocked for public access.

[fireweed]

One of the key things to do is to dig into the courthouse records of easements and check out the language.  In Washington, I have found many easements exist with language that could include the public IF someone in government fights for it a little.  Reading this story, they sure care more about access in Montana than we do here.  Their county is willing to call out Weyerhaeuser.  The governor has gotten involved.  In Washington, the elected folks either don't care or tend to roll over or are in the pocket(book) of big timber.

[bbarnes]

These timber companies are some of the biggest polluters in the state,and don't care about jobs in America.