An agreement between the Trust for Public Land and F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co. was announced last week that could protect 3,000 acres of forest land in the Haskill Basin for the benefit of water, wildlife and recreation while allowing sustainable forest management activities to continue.

The land is part of the watershed that provides drinking water for the city of Whitefish and is adjacent to both Whitefish Mountain Resort and the Iron Horse subdivision.

Stoltze, Montana’s oldest family-owned lumber company, has allowed the land to be used for hunting, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and other outdoor recreational pursuits.

“Finding a mutually agreeable solution that supports our business and our dedicated employees but also provides long-term wildlife, public access and watershed protection benefits has been a high priority for the Stoltze family and our management team for many years,” Stoltze general manager Chuck Roady said.

Under the agreement, the Trust for Public Land has secured an option to purchase the development rights from Stoltze through the end of 2015. A conservation easement would be conveyed to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for long-term monitoring and enforcement.

Funding is needed to permanently protect Haskill Basin, and the Trust for Public Land says it will raise money from private donors and various public funding sources to reach that goal.

The nonprofit Trust for Public Land was founded in 1972 and operates in 30 offices nationwide. Over the years, it has protected more than 3 million acres and helped to generate $34 billion in public funds for conservation. Both Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester gave their support for protecting the Stoltze lands with a conservation easement.