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:
- Equal or greater value
- Similar navigable lake or stream values
- Equal or greater income to the trust
- Equal or greater acreage
- Consolidation of state trust lands
- Potential for long-term appreciation
- Improved or equal access to state or public lands
Lands Currently being Considered for Exchange
*All lands currently being considered for exchange were nominated prior to the approval of the new Land Exchange Policy adopted by the State Board of Land Commissioners at their May 2026 meeting.
| Land Exchange | County | Acres of Private Land Proposed for Exchange | Acres of State Trust Land Proposed for Exchange | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSKT/DNRC - MWRPA Land Exchange | Missoula, Lake, Sanders, Flathead | TBD | TBD | Inactive |
| McCone | 480 | 600 |
Conducting Formal Research and Investigations |
|
| Missoula | 8,139.94 | 1,804.85 |
Initial public comment period has closed; additional opportunities for public input will be provided in the future. |
|
| Garfield | 640 | 640 |
Initial public comment period has closed; additional opportunities for public input will be provided in the future. |
More Information
At the May 2026 meeting of State Board of Land Commissioners, the Board approved a new Land Exchange Policy. The new policy can be found here.
To discuss a potential land exchange, please contact your local DNRC office.
Sign up for Land Exchange updates here.
If you have questions regarding the Land Exchange Program, please contact Andrew Clary at 406-444-1445 or Andrew.Clary@mt.gov