FWP proposes conservation easement to protect over 22,000 acres near Libby
Conservation project would support public access, critical wildlife habitat, sustainable forest management
by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
June 1, 2019
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment on a proposal to purchase a conservation easement that would protect approximately 22,295 acres of highly productive timberland and important fisheries and wildlife habitat scattered around Libby in northwest Montana.
The property is owned by the Stimson Lumber Company, one of the oldest continuously operating integrated wood products companies in the U.S. This conservation project is a collaborative effort involving Stimson, The Trust for Public Land, and FWP.
The proposed conservation easement, which would be held by FWP, would allow Stimson to retain these timberlands and continue to manage them using sustainable forest practices while protecting the valuable fish and wildlife habitat found on the property. This easement would preclude development, protect key landscape connectivity, and provide permanent public access and associated recreational opportunities.
FWP has scheduled a public hearing for June 12, 2019 at 6 p.m. in Libby at the Libby City Hall, Ponderosa Room, 952 E. Spruce Street. This event will provide interested organizations and individuals an opportunity to ask questions about the proposed project and submit public comment.
The property, which shares 133 miles of border with the Kootenai National Forest, currently provides over 1,100 days of public hunting access. The property provides high quality winter range for moose, elk, white-tailed deer, and mule deer. It also provides habitat for 43 Species of Greatest Conservation Need as listed in Montana’s 2015 State Wildlife Action Plan and includes federally designated critical habitat for three threatened species: Canada lynx, grizzly bear, and bull trout. Completion of this project would permanently secure free public access for hunting, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and other outdoor activities.
In a 2007 study entitled "National Forests on the Edge," the U.S. Forest Service identified national forests throughout the country facing the most increased risks and alterations from escalating housing development on private rural lands along their boundaries. The Stimson project lands were identified as a moderate risk area.
FWP is seeking comment on a draft environmental assessment that describes the scope of the project. The primary objectives of this project are to:
• Conserve important fish and wildlife habitat
• Continue sustainable commercial forest management
• Maintain public recreation access into the future
Following completion of the draft EA and review of the public comments received, the FWP Region One Supervisor will issue a decision notice that makes a recommendation to the Fish and Wildlife Commission on a course of action. The Commission will make the final decision on which course of action to take.
A copy of the draft environmental assessment is available at the FWP Region 1 office, 490 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell; Montana State Library, 1515 E 6th Ave., Helena; FWP State Headquarters, 1420 E 6th Ave., Helena; the FWP website at http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/; and available for viewing at local libraries. FWP asks that comments on this draft environmental assessment be submitted to either of the following addresses by 5 p.m., June 29, 2019:
Kris Tempel or ktempel@mt.gov
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
490 North Meridian Road
Kalispell, MT 59901
For more information about the project, contact Kris Tempel at the email address above or via phone, (406) 751-4573.
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