Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is looking for public input on its proposal to accept the public hunting access component of a conservation easement on the Buxbaum-Boulder Creek Ranch between Drummond and Philipsburg.
The 1,193-acre Ranch includes native grasslands, forested draws, wetlands and aspen stands. Under the proposal, Five Valleys Land Trust (FVLT) would purchase a conservation easement on the ranch to permanently protect the property’s wildlife habitat and conservation values. FVLT would then assign FWP the portion of the easement that provides for public hunting access.
Funding for the access easement would come from the Montana Department of Justice Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. No FWP funds would be involved in acquiring the proposed conservation easement.
The easement would protect big game winter range, a variety of habitats for nongame wildlife species and provide public hunting access in perpetuity.
FWP will hold a public hearing in Anaconda on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at the Drummond Community Center (54 East Broad Street) to answer questions and take public comment.
To review the draft EA and to comment, go to FWP’s website, fwp.mt.gov, under “News,” then “Recent Public Notices.” Or, request information and comment by contacting Region 2 FWP, 3201 Spurgin Rd., Missoula 59804; by phoning 406-542-5540; or by emailing shrose@mt.gov. Comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019.
(via MT FWP)
