Hadley Park Acquisition on Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
By Moosetrack Megan

Posted: October 25, 2020

Jefferson County, Mont., October 1, 2020 —The Roland Durocher family, in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (BDNF), finalized a 598 acre conservation based land acquisition on September 22nd, 2020. The Hadley Park Property is now public land that enables public access to an additional 1,130 acres, protects winter range for elk in the area, and protects valuable habitat from the ever-increasing encroachment of residential subdivisions.

“We salute the Durocher family for reaching out to us to help conserve this landscape as well as our partners at the Forest Service,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “Not only is it important elk summer and winter range but moose, mule deer, black bear and many other species rely on it as well.”

The property is located approximately 17 miles north of Whitehall, Montana in Jefferson County, a very popular hunting and recreation area recognized both for its valuable habitat and beautiful scenery. This area of Montana was previously identified by partners as a priority area where public access should be improved when an opportunity arose, and with the willingness of the Durocher family and their focus on conservation, this land acquisition significantly addresses that priority.

“These 598 acres connect public lands on the north end of the Bull Mountains.” Cheri Ford, Beaverhead-Deerlodge Forest Supervisor noted.  “The public will now have access to an additional 1700 acres to enjoy.”

RMEF purchased this property and simultaneously conveyed it to the USFS for inclusion in the BDNF. Funding for this project was made possible using Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Priority Sportsman Recreation Access funds.

For more information about the Hadley Park acquisition or to obtain a map of the new property, contact the Butte Ranger District at (406)494-2147.

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