77-1-139. (Temporary) Notice to land management agencies and tribal governments -- memorandum of understanding. (1) The governor shall notify all federal government agencies that manage public land in Montana and the tribal governments of the various tribes in Montana of the moratorium imposed on state lands in 77-1-137 and encourage those federal and tribal entities to consider imposing a similar moratorium on federal and tribal lands, emphasizing the seriousness of illegal harvesting, appropriate educational efforts, and Montana's commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of wild medicinal plant populations in Montana.
     (2) Recognizing that the state's natural heritage provides the basis for Montana's economic strength and quality of life and that sustaining the diversity and condition of the state's natural ecosystems is a prerequisite for maintaining the state's prosperity and in order to develop a coordinated statewide strategy to help ensure the protection of wild medicinal plants throughout Montana, the governor, when appropriate, shall seek to enter into memoranda of understanding with the federal agencies and tribal governments. Through a memorandum of understanding, the parties shall agree to work with the task force on wild medicinal plants to ensure the protection of wild medicinal plants through improved coordination, exchange of information, conflict resolution, and collaboration. Issues addressed in a memorandum of understanding may include:
     (a) biodiversity-related policies and regulations;
     (b) land management practices, land use planning, and land and reserve acquisition and exchange;
     (c) private landowner assistance;
     (d) educational outreach and public relations; and
     (e) wild medicinal plant monitoring, inventory, assessment, restoration, and research and technology development. (Terminates April 20, 2002--sec. 7, Ch. 380, L. 1999.)

     History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 380, L. 1999.