September 27-28, 2001

ITEM 112-1005-R0901 Approval to Negotiate Acceptance of Land as a Gift from Ducks Unlimited; The University of Montana-Missoula

 

THAT: The Board of Regents of the Montana University System authorizes The University of Montana-Missoula to negotiate acceptance of a 64-acre tract of land adjacent to the University Bandy Ranch property as a gift from Ducks Unlimited, acting through its Wetlands America Trust, Inc., affiliate, with the gifted land subject to conservation easements funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department.

EXPLANATION: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department, and Ducks Unlimited have offered the University an opportunity to receive as a gift a 64-acre tract of land adjacent to the University Bandy Ranch. The land remains subject to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department conservation easements as described in the attached federal and State agency correspondence. The University will manage the gifted land jointly with the Bandy Ranch, although the gifted land would remain separately titled since it is not legally part of the Ranch deeded to the University and Montana State University several years ago. The conservation easements on the gifted land are similar or identical to conservation easements on the Bandy Ranch land. The University has participated in public hearings regarding this proposed transaction, and strong public support exists among all who participated in these hearings. Ducks Unlimited, acting though Wetlands America Trust, Inc., the Ducks Unlimited real property transactions affiliate, and an anonymous donor will purchase the land for $186,122 with additional funds from the two government agencies noted herein. With approval from the Board of Regents, transfer to the University, subject to the conservation easements, will follow. The Commissioner and University System Legal Counsel will approve the final agreement transferring this land to the University.

ATTACHMENTS: Federal and State agency correspondence