2016 Land Conservation Accomplishments
R2L partners protected over 700 acres this year – over 500 acres completed with funding from the large North American Wetlands Conservation grant secured by R2L partners and managed by the Flathead Land Trust.
Conservation projects included:
Brenneman Slough Project
Montana Land Reliance worked with Clifford and Shirley Brenneman to protect their 155-acre property, which includes 56 acres of wetlands and river channels associated with the Flathead River plus the Brennemans’ working family farm.
The property, along with adjacent conserved lands, creates a large block of protected farmlands, wetlands, and riparian forests. This conservation easement was purchased in part with a North American Wetlands Act grant, which the R2L Initiative helped secure last year, and was matched by a significant donation in value from the Brennemans.
The project adds to an existing block of over 1,000 acres of protected farmlands, wetlands, and riparian forests. Read the story in the Daily Inter Lake.
Iverson/ Smith Lake Project
142 acres protected along Ashley Creek through a land donation to the Flathead Land Trust. The property was incorporated into the Smith Lake Waterfowl Production Area managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last March. Read the story in the Flathead Beacon.
Flathead Lake North Shore Wildlife Management Area Project
MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks added 77 acres (yellow parcel) to the North Shore Wildlife Management Area, bringing the WMA up to 426 acres. Read more..
Weaver & Frey Projects
189 acres were protected south of Flathead Lake along the Mission Mountains through the collaborative North American Wetlands Conservation grant, including a land sale to the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes and a conservation easement held by the Flathead Land Trust. Read the story in the Flathead Beacon or the Flathead Land Trust website.
Darrow Family Project
The Flathead Land Trust and the family of George Darrow placed 200 acres between the Swan and Flathead Rivers near Creston in a conservation easement. The property is part of an important migration corridors for wildlife.
George Darrow was a geologist, farmer, Montana legislator, business owner, and active community member. His legacy is profound and far-reaching in Montana. He authored the Montana Environmental Policy Act, which helps protect air and water quality, and volunteered for numerous community groups and activities. The Flathead Land Trust, which holds the easement, secured a Travelers for Open Land grant, to help cover project closing costs.
Read the story in the Daily Inter Lake and Flathead Beacon.
