Leaseholders Speak Out Against Cabin Fees

News Channel 13 Online Posted: Tuesday, 02 March 2010 9:42PM

Montana leases speak out against increased fees on their state lease lands.

“I was always taught a deal is a deal. And I think that they ought to stick with the original terms of the lease at least till the termination of that lease.”

In December of last year, the Montana Land Board approved new rules, changing the way the DNRC calculates lease fees for cabin sites. Those new rules increased fees for many of the 800 families across Montana leasing cabin sites.
 
Since then, 58 families filed abandonment notices. And tonight, lease holders, residents and real estate agents expressed their outrage over the higher fees.
 
Representatives from the DNRC held the meeting to collect comments on the impacts of the rising fees. And they heard about everything from potential impacts on families and the environment as a result of the new rules. People also expressed concerns over the impact on land management, economic stability, the school district and their pocketbooks.
 
There will be another meeting Thursday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the Hampton Inn in Kalispell. Members of the Montana State Leaseholders Association also urge concerned resident to write the members of the state land board. Comments will be received until March 19th.