The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved the purchase of a 34,610-acre conservation easement in the Thompson River drainage during its meeting Friday, a critical step in protecting important public access and wildlife habitat.
"This easement is a significant achievement in preserving the iconic landscapes and outdoor traditions of northwest Montana," said Amber Steed, FWP Region 1 supervisor. "We appreciate all the time, effort, and support put forth by the landowners, our community partners, and the public. This project helps safeguard wildlife corridors and ensure that families get to enjoy these lands for generations to come."
Known as Upper Thompson Conservation Easement — Phase 1 (CE), the project secures a critical landscape connection on lands owned by Green Diamond Montana Timberlands LLC (Green Diamond). The CE, located in the Cabinet Mountains north of Thompson Falls and Plains, will prevent development, protect important wildlife habitat, and provide permanent free public recreation access to the Green Diamond lands. The CE also allows for continued forest management and sustainable timber harvest on the property.
The new easement supports populations of elk, moose, deer, mountain lions, black bears, and a variety of other wildlife, and the property currently provides approximately 10,000 days per year of public hunting and angling use. Funding for the project comes from a variety of sources, including: $13,000,000 from the U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy Program, $225,000 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, $200,000 from the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust, and $175,000 from private fundraising coordinated by the Trust for Public Lands. Green Diamond has committed to donate approximately 34 percent of the CE value ($6,985,950). The commission decision was the final approval needed for this project.