20-25-242. Purpose of station. (1) It is the purpose of this station to:
     (a) study the forest and forest land resources of the state to the end that the state and its citizens may attain the highest economic and social benefits from the forest soils within the state and the influences and products flowing therefrom;
     (b) study the growth and the utilization of timber with special reference to their improvement and the widening of the markets available to the state;
     (c) determine:
     (i) the relationship between the forest and water conservation and waterflow regulation;
     (ii) the relationship between the forest and pasturage for domestic livestock and wildlife;
     (iii) the relationship between the forest and recreation; and
     (iv) those other direct and indirect benefits that may be secured by the maintenance of or the establishment of forests or woodlands;
     (d) study and develop the establishment of windbreaks, shelterbelts, and woodlots on the farms of the state that moisture may be conserved thereby for the best production of agricultural crops and forage, for the prevention of soil wastage and erosion, to make the farm home more comfortable, and to produce forest material for the use of the farmer and the stockman;
     (e) study the findings of other agencies that the information thus obtained may be used to improve the growth, management, and utilization of the timber within the state and to protect it against damage by fire, insects, disease, and other harmful agencies;
     (f) collect, compile, and publish statistics relative to Montana forests and forestry and the influences flowing therefrom; prepare and publish bulletins and reports, with the necessary illustrations and maps, that the information collected by the station in forestry and in conservation may be made available for use; and distribute this information or material in such other ways as the board of regents may direct;
     (g) collect a library and bibliography of literature pertaining to or useful for the purpose of 20-25-241 through 20-25-245;
     (h) study logging, lumbering, and milling operations and other operations dealing with the products of forest soils with special reference to their improvement; investigate and make tests of forest products produced or that may be produced within the state that markets may be improved thereby;
     (i) consider such other scientific and economic problems as, in the judgment of the board of regents, are of value to the people of the state;
     (j) cooperate with the other departments of the university of Montana-Missoula, the departments of the state government when mutually beneficial, and with private individuals and agencies and cooperate with the United States government and its branches as a land-grant institution or otherwise in accordance with their regulations;
     (k) establish such field experiment stations as in the judgment of the board of regents may be necessary.
     (2) The board of regents may accept, for and in behalf of the state of Montana, such gifts of land or other donations as may be made to the state for the purposes of 20-25-241 through 20-25-245.

     History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 141, L. 1937; amd. Sec. 26, Ch. 253, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 28-303; amd. sec. 36, Ch. 308, L. 1995.