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Timber Sales Law 



(Title 81, Chapter 16, R.C.M. 1947) 



The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNR&C), through the 

 Forestry Division, may sell timber on state lands and may prescribe rules 

 for forest practices on these lands. For each proposed timber sale, 

 the DNR&C requires information regarding harvest areas, their location 

 with respect to water bodies and stream, and a statement of their value 

 for watershed protection. State timber sales require contracts with 

 the operator and posting of bond until contract terms are met. (Timber 

 sale contract terms relative to water quality maintenance are detailed 

 in Appendix D). 



This procedure can provide an effective control method for preventing 

 water quality impacts on state forest lands. However, contracts must 

 be written to incorporate site-specific best management practices 

 resulting from on-site evaluation of sale areas. The DNR&C is respon- 

 sible for contract enforcement and should provide funding and personnel 

 to adequately review sales and field check for compliance of each con- 

 tract. The procedure for legal enforcement (through DNR&C attorneys) 

 should be maintained for efficient processing and prosecution of contract 

 violators. 



