Organization Helps Landowners Prepare Long-Term Easements

Members of the PRO (Property Rights Organization) recently met with northeast Montana landowners as part of a regional effort to collaborate on securing favorable easement terms for a proposed pipeline by Bridger Pipeline.

Plans call for approximately 435 miles of pipeline in Montana, crossing Phillips, Valley, Daniels, Sheridan, Roosevelt, Richland,Wibaux, Fallon and Carter counties. An additional 210 miles in Wyoming, spanning Crook, Weston,Niobrara,Goshenand Platte counties.

The group is made up entirely of volunteers, with the exception of legal counsel Frank Falen, who also owns and operates a ranch. Organizers saythegroupwasformedin response to what they describe as years of pipeline companies negotiating individually with landowners, not always in the landowners best interest.

By organizing collectively, members believe landowners gain leverage in negotiating easement terms, including compensa...