Bullock raises concerns over Plum Creek access

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has also raised concerns about future access to Plum Creek lands, now that the company has plans to merge with Weyerhaeuser.

“I am writing to ask for your assurance that operations in Montana will not be substantially impacted by this merger and that the access that Montanans have enjoyed for years will not be gated off,” Bullock said in a two-page letter to Weyerhaeuser CEO Doyle Simons.

Currently Plum Creek allows free access to its lands in Montana. But there’s real worry that could change when Weyerhaeuser formally absorbs Plum Creek next year.

Weyerhaeuser leases or requires a fee permit to use its lands in Washington and Oregon. Some permits, which allow motorized use, cost more than $500, according to the company’s web site. It also requires permits or leases out prime hunting grounds on timberlands it owns in the southern U.S.

Plum Creek owns 770,000 acres of land in Montana, most of it is the Salish Range from Kalispell to Libby, currently a free hunting and camping ground for thousands of people.

There is some ground that will have public access in perpetuity. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks negotiated a conservation easement with Plum Creek several years ago that assures public access to 142,000 acres in the Thompson and Fisher rivers.

“Access to Montana’s public wildlife is a fundamental part of Montana’s cherished hunting and fishing heritage and traditions. More than ever, it is also a vital wildlife management tool for the state,” Bullock wrote. “When Plum Creek acquired its land base from Champion International in 1993, it wisely chose to continue Champion’s open access policy. Since then, and when it comes to managing its lands for public access, Plum Creek has been an excellent neighbor and active partner, allowing free access to its lands under management by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.”

Bullock said he hopes Weyerhaeuser will embrace the same philosophy in Montana. Bullock notes that a lease and permit system might work best in more populated states like Washington and Oregon, but Montana doesn’t have the same population pressures.

“I ask that you move quickly to alleviate public concerns over this merger and immediately announce the company’s intention to continue the free and open access policies adopted by your predecessors,” Bullock wrote. “Not only will it be a good business decision, it will begin a productive, long term relationship with Montana’s citizens. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Weyerhaueser did not immediately return a call seeking comment.