77-5-214: Statement of policy.

(1) The application of contract harvesting on Montana's trust lands provides an opportunity to improve forest health and long-term productivity, increase options for managing forests in environmentally sensitive areas, and provide potential revenue benefits for trust beneficiaries.

(2) It is important that the department has clear authorization and direction for conducting contract harvesting, including marketing and selling log sorts and other forest products.

(3) A clear funding mechanism addressing the receipt of revenue and payment for costs associated with contract harvesting projects provides the transparent process that allows beneficiaries to understand the costs and benefits associated with contract harvesting.

(4) Contract harvesting has the potential to result in increased bidder activity, better use and merchandising of products, improved harvesting results and environmental protection, and quicker completion of projects when time constraints are a factor.