It is the policy of the state of Montana:

1. (1) to promote the conservation of the natural resources of the state;
2. (2) to provide for the conservation, protection, and development of forage plants and for the beneficial use of forage plants for grazing by livestock, under regulations that may be considered necessary;
3. (3) to put into crop production only properly fitted lands;
4. (4) to encourage the storage and conservation of water for livestock and irrigation;
5. (5) to place the farming and livestock industries upon a permanent and solid foundation;
6. (6) to extend preference in sales and leases of lands to resident farmers, stockgrowers, and taxpayers; and
7. (7) to gradually restore to private ownership the immense areas of lands that have passed into county ownership because of tax delinquencies.

History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 67, L. 1933; re-en. Sec. 4573.5, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 16-1505; amd. Sec. 519, Ch. 61, L. 2007.