Montana Title 82. Minerals, Oil, and Gas § 82-10-501. Purpose--legislative findings

(a) it is necessary to protect the economic well-being of individuals engaged in agricultural production;

(b) exploration for and development of oil and gas reserves in this state, while necessary, interferes with the use, agricultural or otherwise, of the surface of certain land; and

(c) owners of the surface estate should be justly compensated for use of their property and interference with the use of their property due to oil and gas development.