HELENA – Presidential candidate Barack Obama says some talks between Plum Creek Timber and the Bush administration amounted to backroom dealing that threatens public access to hunting and fishing in Montana.
Obama referred to talks in which Plum Creek and the Forest Service discussed easements that allow company use of national forest roads to reach Plum Creek’s vast timberlands in Montana. Critics worry the easements will be used to smooth the way for real estate development by Plum Creek.
In its written response to Obama’s remarks, Plum Creek says it supports land conservation and public recreation on its lands in Montana.