The US Fish and Wildlife Service, Southern Pine Plantations and The Trust for Public Land are involved in a 100,000-acre forest management and conservation project in NW Montana. The Kalispell Daily Inter Lake news article indicates the USFWS has started a scoping process to obtain public comment on the project. The proposed project is in both Flathead and Lincoln counties.

The article reports that “The Service is seeking public comment on a proposal to create the Lost Trail Conservation Area. If created, it would authorize the Service to work with willing sellers to acquire conservation easements on up to 100,000 acres within the 116,000 acre Conservation Area boundary” adjacent to the Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by August 6.

If approved, the conservation easements would secure public access, prevent residential development and allow for sustainable commercial timber harvests.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a vital funding source for the project.

Chris Boyer photo