The Nature Conservancy in Montana has finalized a 12,308-acre transaction with the US Forest Service that improves forest management, retains recreational access and protects wildlife habitat in the headwaters of the Blackfoot and Clearwater rivers.

The Missoulian article points out the unique and valuable recreational and conservation aspects of the project, which transfers the lands into public ownership managed by the USFS:

The mountains harbor significant populations of deer and elk, threatened bull trout and grizzly bears. They are also popular with snowmobilers and backcountry skiers, anglers, backpackers, berry-pickers and mountain bikers. The Rattlesnake and Mission Mountain wilderness areas and the Flathead Indian Reservation’s South Jocko Primitive Area border this forest.

“This is the culmination of a great partnership with TNC and other partners in that particular landscape,” said Lolo District Ranger Jen Hensiek, whose jurisdiction abuts Carver’s. “I know our kids and kids’ kids are going to be able to enjoy that landscape. It allows more wildlife continuity, more recreation access into those areas, and into the (Rattlesnake) national recreation area. And I know it comes with some work.”

      Headwaters Montana, a conservation organization operating in the greater Flathead area for 13 years, announced in December it would be closing its doors at the end of the year.

     In a Kalispell Daily Inter Lake article, the Bigfork-based organization announced it was making donations to the Montana Land Reliance Bigfork Natural Area Project and to the Flathead Land Trust Bad Rock Canyon Project. 

     Prickly Pear Land Trust is the new owner of 322 acres of former ASARCO East Helena land that will be conserved, eventually made accessible, and later be conveyed to the East Helena Public Schools.

     The East Helena Greenway Project, ten years in the making with a partnership that includes Montana Environmental Trust Group, the Montana Natural Resource Damage Program, EPA, and others, also involves an eight mile community trail.

     Project partners PPLT, East Helena government officials, and East Helena school officials, and others celebrated the land transfer to PPLT during an East Helena ceremony on Dec. 31. 

     “This is just a phenomenal opportunity for us to create a long-term legacy,” Scott Walter, chair of the East Helena Public Schools board, said. He added later it was a great education opportunity for students.

     In a Helena Independent Record article, PPLT’s Mary Hollow said six of the eight miles are now dedicated for the trail. She said PPLT is still working with private landowners on the remaining two miles, and added the 322 acres was a “real crowning point of the project.”

Photo: Prickly Pear Land Trust Executive Director Mary Hollow discusses the latest developments for the East Helena Greenway Project. With her is John Beaver, the land trust board chair. Gary Marshall, BMGphotos