Special to the Daily News
The quarterly oil and gas lease sale conducted by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is scheduled for March 5 in Helena. DNRC has received nominations for the March 5 sale and is requesting comments, said Monte Mason, DNRC Minerals Management bureau chief. Mason said that the only action proposed at this time is issuing leases for possible future exploration and production. “Before any activity occurs, DNRC will prepare an environmental review,” Mason said. The state Board of Oil and Gas must also review and issue a permit before any activity can occur. The March sale includes tracts in the following counties: Beaverhead, Carbon, Carter, Chouteau, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Glacier, Pondera, Richland, Sheridan, Sweet Grass, Teton, and Toole. A map and a detailed list of tracts being considered by DNRC may be obtained by calling Mason in Helena at (406) 444-2074. The information is also available on the department’s Internet site at: http://dnrc.mt.gov/ trust/mmb/og Any comments regarding the tracts should be submitted in writing to Mason by Jan. 25 at: Monte Mason, DNRC, P.O. Box 201601, 1625 Eleventh Ave., Helena MT 59620-1601.
