(light music) - [Narrator] Montana PBS "Equal Time," offering unedited time to candidates for: superintendent of public instruction.

As a member of the State Land Board, how would you balance quality public access with development of natural resources?

- Our state trust lands exist to ensure robust returns to support our local schools.

As a Land Board member, I will prioritize active management of our state trust lands to maximize returns for schools.

It is important to note that some of our state trust lands contain resources that can only be mined or harvested once, however others, like timber, can be utilized generation after generation.

By prioritizing active management, we can ensure that resources are harvested for the trust benefit, while providing recreational and new access opportunities.

Balancing recreation and industry is crucial, which Montana has achieved.

Our state trust lands, which produce about 50 million yearly in school funding through agriculture, forestry, minerals, and real estate, are a testament to this.

By following this model, we can further expand public access and ensure solid returns for our local schools for years to come.

- My husband, our son, and I are avid public land users, hunting, hiking, and camping.

But first off, I never intend to support the sale of our state lands, nor limit access to them.

Montanans have a right to hunt, fish, and recreate on accessible trust lands.

Those lands are open for recreation.

At the same time, they are working lands and generate revenue for public schools.

We are the Treasure State, and I will work to balance the leasing of our agriculture, mining, and timber resources, while assuring that science and best practices guide the development and protect our clean and healthful lands, rivers, streams.

It's simply responsible use of our natural resources, and it truly is for future generations.

It's about the kids.

- [Narrator] Montana PBS "Equal Time" was made possible by the Greater Montana Foundation.

All "Equal Time" segments are available online at montanapbs.org/equaltime.

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