Critical Lands
Together, we can protect and conserve the heart of the Flathead Valley.
The Flathead Valley is growing and changing rapidly, but if there is one common value that unites our community, it is an appreciation for our unparalleled land, water, wildlife, and their beauty.
In 2000, the Flathead Lakers brought together private landowners, local land trusts, conservation organizations, counties, tribes, and public agencies to identify, conserve, and restore land critical to maintaining clean water in our watershed. These efforts gave rise to the Flathead River to Lake Initiative, a collaborative partnership that works together to conserve critical lands that help sustain our Flathead natural heritage while accommodating smart growth.
The strength and commitment of this group has led to protecting 6,800 acres of critical lands, adding to a conservation network of more than 12,700 acres of private and publicly protected lands along the Flathead River; reestablishing the native plant community at nine stream and river riparian restoration sites; and educating our community about the importantce of these riparian systems.
The success of the Flathead River to Lake Initiative is entirely due to the hard work of all the partners involved, successful coordination and cooperation, and the landowners who support and believe in preserving their beautiful and critically important lands.
Owen Sowerwine Conservation Easement
The Flathead Lakers, in partnership with the Flathead Land Trust, Flathead Audubon, and Montana Audubon will be supporting the proposal to purchase a 400 - acre conservation easement on the Owen Sowerwine property along the Flathead & Stillwater Rivers.
The proposed conservation easement would generate income for schools as well as ensure the land's natural values continue to be protected and open to the public for conservation education, bird-watching, fishing, walking and hunting.
CURRENT PROJECT:
COMPLETED PROJECTS:
Bad Rock Canyon Conservation Project Complete
In Dec. 2021, MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks completed the purchase of the 772-acre Bad Rock Canyon property along the Flathead River, east of Columbia Falls. Thanks to numerous partners, funders, and supporters, the Bad Rock Canyon property is now protected forever. Thank you for your strong support throughout this conservation effort
Somers State Park Becomes a Reality
Montana FWP acquires Somers Beach - a new state park on the north shore of Flathead Lake.
Learn more here, and help us support the creatation of this new park!
Conservation
Growth pressures and development can lead to the loss of scenic views, degraded water quality, loss of access, and loss of habitat.
By working together, we can conserve what is special about the Flathead Valley while accommodating growth.
Restoration
Along with our partners, we can help landowners improve habitat and restore degraded stream and river banks in the watershed.
We also share information about good land stewardship practices, and organize volunteer restoration plantings around the Valley.
Critical Lands
Critical lands include wetlands, riparian areas and forests, floodplains, and shallow groundwater. Protecting our critical lands in the Flathead Watershed will help:
maintain and improve water quality,
protect natural floodplain functions,
protect and enhance critical fish and wildlife habitat,
conserve prime farmlands, and
maintain traditional rural and scenic character.
What can you do?
You can be a part of the Flathead River to Lake legacy of good stewardship so that people can enjoy our Flathead natural heritage for generations to come.
Success Stories
Learn about our recent successful conservation projects along the Flathead River.
Thanks to the generous support from so many of our members and community.
Current Projects
We are excited to work with our partners and community to identify areas worth protecting.
Learn about the Bad Rock Canyon Conservation Project and more.