OWNERSHIP ADJUSTMENTS 



From the time the Montana Territory was settled, land 

 has been acquired in several different ways. For example, 

 the railroads received certain lands to support the construc- 

 tion of railways. In other cases, lands were acquired by 

 individuals through homesteading. Also, other lands were 

 purchased from the government, and still other lands were 

 received by the State of Montana for the support of public 

 schools and other institutions. The remaining area of 

 Montana was reserved by the Federal Government for national 

 forests and for public domain. 



This pattern of acquisition has resulted in intricate 

 intermingling of ownership in many areas. This pattern of 

 ownership has caused landowners and land managers many 

 problems in making full use of the lands. These problems 

 include access, fencing, trespass, economic management, and 

 adequate protection. Travel to scattered tracts is no small 

 problem in itself. In this situation full stewardship of all 

 lands is not realized. 



Over the years, the federal government and large land- 

 owners have undertaken programs of exchange and consolidation. 

 Similar exchanges should be made by all classes of ownership 



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