By a vote of 3-to-2, the Montana Land Board tentatively approved an easement that would conserve and open public access to 32,891 acres of forested land between Libby and Kalispell in northwest Montana. Prior to the vote, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation testified in favor of the move.
“This project will secure the future of wildlife habitat, ensure public access to recreational opportunities and conserve Northwest Montana’s timberlands for generations to come,” said Charlie Booher, RMEF representative. “By conserving these working timberlands, this easement will promote active forest management, safeguarding the economic benefits of Northwest Montana’s timber economy and ensuring viable forest products infrastructure will remain on the landscape for generations to come.”
Though there is some mineral rights litigation, the easement is the first of a two-phase transaction to conserve and open access to 85,792 acres.
“The Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement guarantees continued public access to timberlands for hunting, fishing and trapping, maintaining opportunities that Montanans have enjoyed for generations, all of which is central to RMEF’s mission of ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage,” said Booher. “Lastly, this project strengthens habitat connectivity, particularly for species like grizzly bears, by enabling thoughtful habitat management and preventing the subdivision of these timberlands.”
The land also serves as a migration corridor for elk, moose and mule deer, and is home to many other wildlife species.
(Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation)