Letter: Stimson enters into easement agreement

Dear Editor:

Stimson Lumber Co., has entered into an option agreement with The Trust for Public Land to sell a conservation easement on the 28,000 acres of timberland that we own near Troy between Bull Lake and the Idaho border.

The easement will prohibit development and subdivision and allow for the continued use of the property for commercial timber management in a manner that is compatible with the scenic, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and recreation values that make our lands so special.

Best of all, it will guarantee permanent public access for recreational uses like hunting, fishing, biking and berry picking. 

The sale of the easement is contingent on securing the needed funds and will be subject to public review and eventual approval by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, which will hold the easement.

If all goes well, the easement should be in place by the summer of 2012.

While the feedback we have been getting has been overwhelmingly positive, we also recognize that many local residents are disappointed with our decision to gate off the Ruby Loop Road outside of Troy. Deciding to close this popular private road to motorized access was not easy, but we felt that it was necessary given the significant costs that we were incurring to repair excessive road damage and erosion and having to haul away large amounts of illegally dumped trash.

As a private landowner, we have the right to limit public use of all of our roads, but we also recognize that the Ruby Loop Road is a cherished community asset. As a result, we are committed to finding a win-win solution that meets all of our needs. While this will require creative thinking on all our parts, we are confident that we can find a workable compromise.

We look forward to working with the local community to make this happen.

Ray Jones, vice president, resources,

Stimson Lumber Co.