Officials finalized the sale of a 53,000-acre conservation easement in Northwest Montana on Monday.

The deal marks the final step in a multi-year project that aimed to transfer the development rights of more than 85,000 acres of prime timberlands near the Thompson chain of lakes from Green Diamond Resource Company to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. 

In February 2025, the state agency finalized a deal to put 32,821 acres north of the Thompson chain of lakes under the Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement. The Dec. 15 sale added another 52,930 acres to the project. 

While Green Diamond retains primary ownership of the land, the deal prevents the company and any future owners from intensively developing the property and ensures public access for hunting and other outdoor recreation is maintained. 

“This is conservation the Montana way — practical, voluntary, and rooted in stewardship. It balances private ownership with public good, ensuring that the land continues to work, provide and inspire,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Christy Clark in a statement. 

The conservation easement was appraised for a purchase price of $57.5 million, but Green Diamond contributed an in-kind donation of $20 million. About $35.8 million came from the United States Forest Legacy Program and $1.7 million was contributed from state funds.   

The Montana Land Board approved the purchase at its October meeting. 

The Trust for Public Lands, a national nonprofit that promotes access to public lands, helped facilitate the sale. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 758-4433 or [email protected].