Montana Forestland Saved: 20K Acres Protected!

A crucial conservation easement protecting 20,629 acres of Stimson Lumber Company's timberland is nearing final approval in Montana. The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission is expected to give its consent at an August 19 meeting, following the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' adoption of the Draft Environmental Assessment on July 17. This action will permanently conserve lands in Lincoln, Sanders, and Mineral counties, which are vital habitats for various fish and wildlife species.

The proposed Stimson Timberland Legacy Conservation Easement ensures that public access for recreational activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking will continue without any fees. This commitment from Stimson Lumber Company is significant, as it means all of the company's Montana timberland holdings will be under perpetual conservation easements. The easement is valued at $29.4 million, with Stimson contributing $17.7 million, the U.S. Forest Service providing $10.2 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the Trust for Public Land raising approximately $1 million through private donations.

This conservation effort is particularly important given the recent population growth in the affected counties between 2020 and 2024. The proposed easement area is vulnerable to development, with a significant portion located near major highways and fast-growing communities. The Fisher River section, specifically, provides critical year-round habitat and travel corridors for various wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, bull trout, grizzly bears, and Canada lynx.