News

Key Link in Mission Valley Wildlife Corridor Protected

by jen

A vital wildlife haven in the Mission Valley was protected today through a conservation easement with Flathead Land Trust. This easement serves as a crucial link, connecting the Mission Mountain Wilderness to a vast network of over 18,000 acres of previously conserved lands, including the Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge.

The 40-acre property provides critical habitat and a travel corridor for grizzly bears and a wide range of wildlife species. Mollman Creek, meandering through the parcel for a third of a mile, and several pothole wetlands provide crucial water sources and riparian habitat. The landowners have observed frequent visits from grizzly bear, black bear, and white-tailed deer along with bobcat, mountain lion, elk, and a myriad of other mammals and birds.

Near the Kicking Horse Waterfowl Production Area and Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge, an Important Bird Area designated by Montana Audubon, the property significantly enhances critical bird habitat.

The landowners have observed 116 bird species on-site including 11 species of concern, such as a great grey owl pair that raised their young on the property. Northern goshawk also utilize the property. This easement provides essential nesting and wintering grounds as well as resting and refueling habitat. It lies within a major stopover site in the Intermountain West portion of the Pacific Flyway.

Northern goshawk, a Montana species of concern, photographed on the conservation easement.

The conservation easement also safeguards a unique habitat and a rare plant species. A skunk cabbage-dominated wetland, similar to a habitat type listed as “imperiled” by the Montana Natural Heritage Program, forms part of the diverse riparian mosaic along Mollman Creek. Nestled within a few of the wetlands is a rare Impatiens species.

This conservation project was made possible through funding from the Cinnabar Foundation, Vital Ground Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation through the Heart of the Rockies Initiative Keep It Connected Program, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Wildlife Mitigation Program. Completion of this conservation easement has helped Flathead Land Trust increase pace of conservation in a rapidly growing region. Flathead Land Trust has placed 80 properties under conservation easement over the course of 40 years, collaboratively protecting nearly 20,000 acres in northwest Montana.

News

In Memory of Ken Siderius

by jen

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to one of our most beloved Flathead Land Trust family members, Ken Siderius, who passed away on December 1, 2024. The Siderius name is well known in the Flathead Valley. The family has been farming and involved in the community longer than some people can remember. Ken Siderius embodied the Siderius name profoundly. He was deeply respected in this community and knew its people and its values firsthand.

Ken interacted with people first and foremost as a fellow community member, as a person who grew up here, raised his children here – as someone who invested most of his life and resources in the valley. He was a man of action, of unwavering optimism, and was always dedicated to standing up for what’s right. We owe him so much for his leadership and volunteer service to Flathead Land Trust.

Ken was a devoted advocate for maintaining the integrity of the Flathead Valley – its open spaces, clean water, abundant wildlife, scenic beauty, and rich farmland. He believed that by working together we could sustain the natural values that make this valley a great place to live for future generations, and that the work of Flathead Land Trust could achieve this passion. He was on the Board of Flathead Land Trust from 2003-2009 and served as the President of the Board for six of those years. Ken’s encouragement, enthusiasm, optimism and connection with a multitude of people in the valley were key to conserving over 5,000 acres of land in the Flathead Valley during his leadership with Flathead Land Trust. His unwavering passion and belief that you can get things done by listening and working together led to significant conservation. During his tenure as President, many acres along the Flathead River and north shore of Flathead Lake were conserved, the McWenneger Slough Fishing Access Site was established and an addition was made to Lone Pine State Park. He was recognized by Flathead Land Trust for incredible leadership and conservation achievements with their first Conservation Leadership Award in 2015. He also served on Flathead Land Trust’s Lands Committee for over 20 years where he continued to share his vast knowledge of the valley, its history, and its people to facilitate countless other conservation projects, including the creation of Somers Beach State Park. He was passionate about preserving the Flathead Valley’s special places; ensuring future generations could create lasting memories there, just as he had. “I’ve had a wonderful life and I think we have an obligation to make sure others can, too. You know love isn’t love until you give it away.”

Ken Siderius’ guidance and contributions will ensure Flathead Land Trust’s continued success in preserving the Flathead Valley’s quality of life for generations to come!

In the words of Don Murray “Ken believed that every child was special and every acre was special”. Read a wonderful synopsis of Ken’s life HERE.

Discover Ken Siderius' extraordinary vision for conservation and dedication to the people of the Flathead Valley in this video
News

Gratitude for Bill Corwin and Greg Gunderson as They Reach Board Term Limits

by jen

We are deeply grateful to Bill Corwin and Greg Gunderson for their nine years of dedicated service on our Board of Directors. Their leadership, including their time as Board Presidents (Bill from 2017 – 2022 and Greg from 2022 to 2023), has been invaluable! To show our gratitude, Bill and Greg were presented with framed photos during our Year-end Celebration on December 12.

Bill is an avid sailor. Aligned with this passion, he helped Flathead Land Trust conserve many acres along the Flathead River to Lake corridor and north shore of Flathead Lake. He has been an integral member of our advisory team, bringing in decades of experience from his consulting career, including knowledge gained from his company Corwin Environmental Consultants, Inc. A dynamic and thoughtful leader for many years, Bill has been vital to Flathead Land Trust’s success.

Greg is founder and co-owner of Forestoration, Inc., a land management and restoration company, and Center for Native Plants, the Flathead’s only retail native plant nursery. Using his extensive background, he designed and oversaw construction of Flathead Land Trust’s Harrell Forest trails, and continues to help plan a connector trail to the Swan River Nature Trail. His extensive background and professional expertise in land management has been instrumental to furthering Flathead Land Trust’s mission.

Both Bill and Greg have reached their term limits on the board, and we will miss them greatly! We are fortunate that Greg will continue to serve on the Lands Committee, sharing his valuable skills and knowledge, and that Bill will continue to help with fundraising and development.

Many thanks to GravityShots for the photo of Flathead River and Lake and to Casey Kreider of the Daily Inter Lake for the photo of Harrell Forest!

News

Whitefish Riverfront Property Newly Protected With Conservation Easement

by jen

On November 25, 2024, Mark Schmidt permanently protected his 30-acre parcel along the Whitefish River under a conservation easement with Flathead Land Trust. The property protects prime agricultural lands and riparian habitats, providing wildlife habitat and connectivity.

For decades, Mark Schmidt and his team of mules hayed his agricultural fields along the Whitefish River. Prior to this, the property had a long history as farmland dating back decades before the Schmidts acquired it. Open space in a rapidly developing area, the conservation easement on this parcel just southeast of Whitefish safeguards agriculturally important soils along with wildlife habitat along the Whitefish River. The USDA classifies over 70% of the conserved property as “prime farmland”. As a protected working farm, these critically important soils can continue to be cultivated without the threat of development.

Encompassing a nearly quarter-mile stretch of the Whitefish River just below the confluence with Haskill Creek and above the confluence with Walker Creek, the Schmidt property offers habitat and respite for wildlife moving along the river. Riparian, wetland and aquatic habitats, along with the agricultural fields, support a variety of mammals, birds and fish in a region of Whitefish that has experienced substantial development.

Mark Schmidt affirmed the value of protecting his property while looking out at more than 150 mallards on the Whitefish River flowing through his property. “I just want to keep it how it is.”

The mules have since been retired, but two horses continue to graze the pastures of the property. A neighbor now uses modern machinery to hay the fields. While the methods have changed, the rich farming legacy of the property is preserved, and the fields will remain undeveloped in perpetuity. Wildlife will continue to find refuge, open space will persist and scenic views will endure by virtue of the Schmidt conservation easement.

About the Landowner:

Mark Schmidt spent his early years immersed in quintessential northwestern Montana pursuits, working as a packer in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and as a ski instructor. He and his late wife, Shirley, showed and competed with their mules and horses all across the country and traveled the world, while Mark constructed custom homes.

News

Stillwater Riverfront Property Near Whitefish Protected With Conservation Easement

by jen

On November 22, 2024, Flathead Land Trust helped Sally Ericsson and Tom Garwin protect their Stillwater riverfront property near Whitefish in perpetuity with a conservation easement.

Ericsson and Garwin dreamed of protecting their property along the Stillwater River even before they owned it. Over two decades ago, they initiated a collaboration with Flathead Land Trust to find a property to purchase and conserve. When they found and fell in love with their 36-acre parcel just west of Whitefish, it came with significant challenges, but Ericsson and Garwin rose to the occasion.

Many locals remember when Twin Bridges Road followed the Stillwater River through this parcel. In the mid-1990s, three major slumps along the riverbank damaged this road, and even temporarily blocked the river. The county eventually relocated the road, which now follows the southern boundary the Ericsson/Garwin property. Local experts helped restore slumped areas on the property, replanting native vegetation to stabilize the soil and revitalize the riparian ecosystem.

Encompassing diverse forests, wetlands, and seasonally wet areas, the easement protects vital wildlife habitat and winter range for grizzly bear, elk, deer, birds, and other wildlife that regularly utilize the property. Intact riparian forest along a quarter mile of the Stillwater River within the property offers a critical travel corridor for wildlife, connecting to 255 acres of State land and eventually linking to thousands of acres of public land. The easement also protects exceptional agricultural land, currently in hay production. Over 80% of the property contains soils classified as “prime farmland” by the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

Conservation and sustainability were at the forefront when Ericsson and Garwin designed their home on the property. Completed in 2015, the residence blends into the landscape and overlooks the stunning Stillwater River. The modern “green” house, designed by Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects and built by Denman Construction, is energy efficient, uses geothermal heat, passive solar design and has beetle kill lumber siding.  The residence subsequently won the award for Craftsmanship in the American Institute of Architecture Seattle 2020 Design Awards competition.

Upon completion of the conservation easement, Ericsson and Garwin reflected on the milestone. “When we purchased our land in 2013, we knew we were buying riparian habitat corridor and we now really understand its importance to the wildlife in the Valley, to the water quality in the Stillwater River and to preserve farmland. We are delighted to permanently conserve our property in partnership with the amazing Flathead Land Trust.”

Working with and enhancing the landscape, Ericsson and Garwin have now completed their dream of owning and protecting an ecologically significant parcel in the Flathead Valley. The Montana way of life, wildlife and water quality are all safeguarded in perpetuity under their conservation easement.

About the landowners: 

Sally and Tom came to Whitefish after long public service careers in Washington, D.C.  Sally worked in the Obama White House as the senior policy official at the Office of Management and Budget overseeing conservation, environmental and science agency budgets and programs and in the Clinton White House Council on Environmental Quality on water and land conservation initiatives including the Everglades and Columbia River salmon conservation.  She also worked on Capitol Hill, at a non-profit climate change organization and for a major California land trust.  Tom worked for major foundations and served in senior positions at the US Agency for International Development and on Capitol Hill.

News

Discover Our Latest Video Collaboration with Heart of the Rockies Initiative!

by jen

We are thrilled to share a new video collaboration with the Heart of the Rockies Initiative Keep It Connected Program! This short film highlights the Kohrs family’s commitment to conservation. By protecting their beautiful farmland, the Kohrs family ensures its agricultural value and wildlife habitat for future generations.

We extend our gratitude to the Heart of the Rockies Initiative, videographer and director Joel DeMay and drone operator Vaughn Gaddis for their incredible work in bringing this project to life. This video is a powerful tool to showcase the impact of land trusts, landowners, and farmers in our region.

News

We invite you to delve into our Fall 2024 Newsletter!

by jen

Our Fall 2024 ViewPoints newsletter is here! Download the entire newsletter HERE to read:

  • Our first tribute to “The People Behind the Progress, a Year-long Tribute to Flathead Land Trust’s Indispensable Individuals”, featuring Don Murray, who has been invaluable to FLT for nearly 40 years;
  • “Increasing the Pace of Conservation” an article summing up the first 40 years of Flathead Land Trust’s progress as we gear up for our 40th Anniversary Celebration
  • “Highlighting Recent Achievements”: Flathead Land Trust’s latest three easements: the Weaver property along Mission Creek, Luci Yeats’ Heart Rock Ridge property in the Bad Rock Canyon area and the Johnson-Greene property, just north of Swan Lake.
  • “Fundraising and Outreach” Recap: Our fundraising success in the Great Fish Community Challenge, our Owen Sowerwine celebration in collaboration with our partners and other field trips and outreach events.
  • Plus an invitation to our upcoming events: Member and Partner Appreciation Year-end Celebration, Thursday, December 12; Winter Birds of Prey Field Trip, Co-Sponsored by Owl Research Institute, Saturday, February 1.; Our ​40th Anniversary Celebration – Saturday, June 21.

We couldn’t do it without you! We hope you enjoy this issue and feel connected to the beautiful lands we protect together.

Download the Fall 2024 ViewPoints newsletter HERE.

News

We Are Hiring!

by jen

Looking for a great opportunity to conserve our incredible open spaces and wild places? We’re seeking a dedicated Land Protection Specialist to join our team and help implement critical land protection strategies. Help make a positive impact on your community!

What you’ll do:

  • Manage projects involving purchased and donated conservation easements, with potential for fee acquisitions
  • Conduct landowner and community outreach
  • Implement stewardship and monitoring of easements
  • Collaborate with our Executive Director and two other Land Protection Specialists to achieve our conservation goals

What we’re looking for:

  • A professional with independence, strategic thinking, and excellent partnership and communication skills
  • A solid understanding of conservation theories, practices, and principles
  • The ability to work effectively with private landowners and the public

About the position:

This is a full-time non-exempt position under the supervision of the Executive Director and in coordination with FLT’s two other Land Protection Specialists. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside a talented team of conservation professionals and make a real difference in protecting our natural resources.

Click HERE for more information.

News

Conservation Easement Near Swan Lake: Sanctuary for Wildlife, Water Quality and Scenic Beauty

by jen

Swan Lake Gains a Sanctuary for Wildlife, Water Quality and Scenic Beauty

Nestled just above Swan Lake near the confluence with Swan River, a 51-acre parcel of forested land is now permanently protected. Today, Paul Johnson and Candace Greene placed this ecological gem under a donated conservation easement with Flathead Land Trust, safeguarding habitat for birds, wildlife, and forested views for travelers along Highway 83. Preserving this wooded hillside above Swan Lake also safeguards the exceptional water quality of the lake. Keeping this area undisturbed minimizes sediment runoff, the biggest threat to the lake’s health.

The conservation easement honored family ties to the area. “Montana has been a special place to my family going all the way back to when my father drove a red bus in Glacier over 80 years ago. We are pleased to be able to preserve a small piece of what so many people love about Montana. We would also like to thank Flathead Land Trust for working with us to make this preservation a reality,” Paul Johnson summed up after closing.

Previously owned by F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co., the property changed hands multiple times, and was once threatened with development. Driven by a passion for conservation, Johnson and Greene purchased this undeveloped property in 2020. Surrounded by residential neighborhoods to the south and west along the shores of Swan Lake, the newly established conservation easement offers a respite for wildlife. A vital habitat corridor just to the east and northeast consists of a patchwork of state land, Stoltze property, and larger private parcels. This travelway connects the property to the vast expanse of the Swan Mountains within Flathead National Forest, ultimately reaching the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. This significant connection serves a diverse range of wildlife, many of which find refuge on the Johnson-Greene property. White-tailed deer, elk, black bear, mountain lion, red fox, and an estimated 63 bird species all utilize this land.

A series of undulating, shallow ridges on the property support healthy coniferous forests. Grand fir, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine and western larch tower over the landscape with patches of paper birch and a variety of shrubs and herbaceous plant species thriving in the understory.

This valuable conservation easement was made possible, in part, through a grant from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The family will continue to own and manage the land.

Fox family denning on the Johnson-Greene property, photo courtesy of Hughes Goodwin.
 

News

2024 Great Fish Community Challenge Begins August 8!

by jen

Flathead Land Trust is delighted to be among 80 nonprofits chosen to take part in the 2024 Great Fish Community Challenge! The 10th Annual Great Fish Community Challenge is a charitable giving campaign, hosted by Whitefish Community Foundation, that makes it easy for you to donate to multiple nonprofits in one place.

Donating to Flathead Land Trust through this program will directly support conservation projects across Northwest Montana. Please help us protect our spectacular land and water legacy!

Help Us Win $10,000!

Donate during Week 4 (Midnight August 30 to midnight September 5) to help us secure a $10,000 Biggest Catch Incentive Grant. Your $25+ gift* will make a big impact and increase our chances of winning!

*By unduplicated donors (those who have not yet given to Flathead Land Trust during this year’s campaign).

The 2024 campaign runs from August 8 to September 13. This is our major fundraising event for the year, so we would love your support!

10th Anniversary Incentives: Can you help us win Big?

The 10th anniversary brings exciting incentives to boost your donation’s impact.

Biggest Catch

  • Each week, one lucky nonprofit will win a $10,000 incentive grant for having the most new donors who give $25 or more.

Great Fish Fun Run & Community Celebration

  • Donate $100 or more to one nonprofit at the Fun Run and be entered to win a $1,000 matching grant for that organization.

Last Day of the Challenge

  • First-time donors: Give $25 or more to one nonprofit and be entered to win a $10,000 incentive grant for that organization.
  • Generous donors: Give $25 or more to four or more nonprofits and be entered to win a $10,000 incentive grant for a participating organization.
  • Loyal supporters: Have donated every year of the Challenge? You’re eligible for a $10,000 incentive grant drawing for a participating organization.

Let’s make a big splash together!