Owen Sowerwine Conservation Project
The Flathead Lakers, in partnership with the Flathead Land Trust, Flathead Audubon, and Montana Audubon will be supporting the proposal to purchase a 405-acre conservation easement on the Owen Sowerwine property along the Flathead & Stillwater Rivers.
About the Owen Sowerwine Conservation Project
The Owen Sowerwine property is a 405-acre parcel of land in Kalispell, MT, known as the “Flathead River Islands”, a braided area that includes islands, sloughs, wetlands, and gravel bars
It provides important habitat for over 168 species of birds, the federally listed grizzly bear and bull trout, and numerous other wildlife
This intricate river system is critical for sustaining clean water in the Flathead River and Flathead Lake downstream.
Currently, Montana and Flathead Audubon hold a temporary license agreement with DNRC to manage the lands as a natural area for conservation education and compatible public uses.
The property is a “State School Trust” land and it is managed by DNRC to generate income for K-12 education in Montana.
A Permanent Conservation Easement
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.
The overall project will cost $1,055,000* and the Flathead Lakers have committed to raising $70,000 to contribute to the project.
(The final appraisal for the purchased conservation easement revealed a considerable increase in project cost due to a significant increase in land values. Together with partners, we are now looking to raise an additional $200,000. While partners continue to pursue additional grants, we need your support to bridge this gap.
We invite you to support our efforts to purchase a conservation easement on the Owen Sowerwine Natural Area. The protection of this conservation area is a permanent solution to safeguard habitat for wildlife, maintain public access, and ensure clean water from river to lake - which means lasting quality of life in the Flathead Watershed. Together, we can make a difference!