Projects provide public access, protect important habitat

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a suite of lands projects at their regular meeting on Thursday that will expand public access in several parts of the state and provide critical wildlife habitat for generations to come.

“These projects received ample public support because they do what the public wants us to do – protect habitat, provide access, and help working landowners,” said FWP Director Christy Clark. “This work not only exemplifies our mission, but also the passion of our staff who work closely with landowners across the state.”

Stafford Ferry Conservation Easement

In central Montana, the Stafford Ferry Conservation Easement is located north of Winifred along the Missouri Breaks. This land is part of critical habitat for the Missouri River Breaks bighorn sheep herd, which is the state’s largest.

“Here’s a classic example of increased or enhanced access,” said Gray Thornton with the Wild Sheep Foundation, a group that provided funds for the project. “We’re proud to be a supporter. This is good for bighorn sheep and it’s good for the public. And there’s another value we have in Montana and that’s keeping ranching lands in ranching hands. So, we’re proud to support this project.”

The 1,080-acre conservation easement will provide enhanced access to public lands and secure critical habitat for one of the state’s most prized bighorn sheep herd. Commission approval allows FWP to move forward with closing on the easement.

Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement

In northwest Montana, the proposed Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement – phase 2 is in the Cabinet Mountains between Kalispell and Libby. Phase 1 of the project was finalized earlier this year. Between the two phases, the project covers nearly 86,000 acres of private timberland owned by Green Diamond Resource Company and ensures public access hunters and anglers have enjoyed for generations.

Both conservation easements received the support of local county commissioners, hunting organizations, and members of the public.

“We advocate for increased access for hunters and anglers in the state of Montana and talk about manna from heaven, this project is perfect for that,” said Ryan Chapin with the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

The Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement will next go to the Montana Land Board for their approval.

Prairie Habitat Conservation Leases

In addition to the two conservation easements, the commission approved 22 habitat conservation leases (HCL) totaling 68,065 acres of important prairie habitat. The proposed HCLs are for either 30- or 40-year terms and support public access for hunting and wildlife-related recreation along with continued agriculture operations.

Funding for the HCLs include Habitat Montana, Pittman-Robertson grants, and other state, federal, or private sources as available.

In early 2023, FWP set a goal of enrolling 500,000 acres in the Habitat Conservation Lease program over five years. In June and October of 2024, the commission approved 73,009 acres of HCLs. With Thursday’s approval, FWP will have more than 141,000 acres enrolled in HCLs.