Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte Monday said directors nominated to lead 12 state agencies will receive an average salary increase of 20 percent over their predecessors. Funding for the pay increases will come from their respective departments.

“Montana’s pay for agency directors has been among the worst in our region and country," Gianforte said in a press release. "We’re looking for folks who can make our state agencies more responsive to the people they serve and more responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars."

Revenue from Montana’s trust lands, which support public K through 12 schools, public buildings and the Montana Veterans Home, is taking a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shawn Thomas with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) says agriculture and grazing leases accounted for nearly half of the revenue generated by state trust lands for the fiscal year that ended in June.

Revenue from grazing leases held steady but revenue from agriculture leases dropped by $2 million.

Republican Montana Governor-elect Greg Gianforte Friday announced his joint transition advisory team for two agencies key to managing the state’s natural resources.

A news release says the team will review candidates to serve as the next directors of the Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Gianforte campaigned on a promise to get rid of what he called needless delays in permitting and create good-paying Montana jobs.

Montana is predicted to have an above average wildfire season. And with firefighters potentially facing dual emergencies of wildfire and COVID-19, specialists say that this year, more than any other, residents can play a vital role in keeping firefighters safe by preparing their homes and communities. Morgan Levey takes us on a wildfire assessment of her home.