FWP proposes unique conservation easement to increase public access, protect critical habitat in central Montana
Proposed 3,600-acre easement in Fergus County would be for a term of 99 years
GREAT FALLS - Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proposing to purchase a 99-year conservation easement (CE) to protect critical habitat and increase public access in central Montana. The draft environmental assessment (EA) was released for public comment today.
“Increasing public access and protecting habitat is a foundational goal at FWP,” Director Christy Clark said. “I am proud of the hard work from our staff to give Montanans more opportunities to access the lands and places that make our state special.”
The proposed Hannah Ranch CE in Fergus County near Moore is on the western foothills of the Big Snowy Mountains and totals 3,652 acres. The CE would also increase access to the far western end of the approximately 120,000 acres of national forest in the Big Snowy range. It consists of mixed grassland and shrubland within deer/elk hunting district 411. The primary objectives of the proposed CE are to provide conservation and enhancement of high-quality native habitats, maintain traditional agricultural land uses and provide opportunities for public access and recreation.
The term length of the easement is 99 years, which is the first of its kind for FWP, and potentially serves as another option for future wildlife and habitat easements with access opportunities.
FWP is currently seeking review and public comment on the EA for this project. The EA and associated documents can be viewed on FWP’s website.
A 30-day public review and comment period will begin on June 29 and end on July 28. A public informational meeting will be held in Lewistown July 21 at 6 p.m. at the Bureau of Land Management Field office, 920 NE Main St.
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