Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will proceed with the purchase of 189 acres of land between Somers and Bigfork.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has completed an environmental assessment for the proposed North Shore Wildlife Management Area, a proposal to purchase approximately 189 acres of farmland and wetlands located along the north shore of Flathead Lake about 4.5 miles east of the community of Somers.

Funding for the project would be provided by the Bonneville Power Administration through state’s fisheries mitigation program to help offset impacts associated with the construction of Hungry Horse Dam. The landowner, Darrell Worm of Kalispell, has agreed to sell this land to MFWP for $1.6 million, below its appraised market value of $1.73 million.

If the sale is completed, BPA would retain a perpetual conservation easement on the property to ensure long-term protection of the acquisition. The primary purpose of the proposed land acquisition using BPA funding is to protect ground water, surface water, and wetlands on or near Flathead Lake. FWP says this will help improve or maintain the high water quality of Flathead Lake for benefits of aquatic life and fish and wildlife habitat.  

Other benefits of this project include protecting and managing this land to restore or improve natural riparian/wetland habitats, to continue annual crop production to benefit resident and migratory waterfowl, to improve and maintain habitat for other wildlife, and to provide opportunities for seasonal and compatible public recreation.

The draft environmental assessment was out for a 30-day public review through Aug. 31. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks had an open house/public hearing on Aug. 20. In reviewing all the public comment and other relevant information, and evaluating the environmental effects, it was recommended that the state pursue the acquisition of the land, pending approval from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission and the Montana Land Board.