7-8-2701. State policy for resource management. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Montana:
     (1) to promote the conservation of the natural resources of the state;
     (2) to provide for the conservation, protection, and development of forage plants and for the beneficial utilization thereof for grazing by livestock, under such regulations as may be considered necessary;
     (3) to put into crop production only such lands as are properly fitted therefor;
     (4) to encourage the storage and conservation of water for livestock and irrigation;
     (5) to place the farming and livestock industries upon a permanent and solid foundation;
     (6) to extend preference in sales and leases of lands to resident farmers, stockmen, and taxpayers;
     (7) to gradually restore to private ownership the immense areas of lands which have passed into county ownership because of tax delinquencies.

     History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 67, L. 1933; re-en. Sec. 4573.5, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 16-1505.