A new agricultural lease opportunity for North Shore Wildlife Management Area will likely be available this autumn.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks acquired the 426-acre preserve in three phases between 2008 and 2016, with the goal of continuing the area’s agricultural legacy and providing critical springtime habitat for the tens of thousands of waterfowl that migrate through the Flathead Valley each spring.  

Designated by Audubon as part of the Flathead Lake Important Bird Area, the management area supports upwards of 229 different bird species, many of which benefit from regular cultivation of grains, legumes and other pulses. The tall plants act as cover and provide forage for upland gamebirds, songbirds and shorebirds alike. 

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks leases 350 acres of the management area for agricultural use to fulfill those needs. Cultivators that sign onto a lease are required to use sustainable farming practices and leave at least 20% of their crop standing for wildlife benefit.  

The state’s current lease, signed in 2019, expires in September 2026. The lease may be renewed for another seven years or re-bid, based on the ability of the lessee to meet wildlife management objectives. 

The state wildlife agency, which released an environmental assessment on the lease program in May, is accepting comments on the document until 5 p.m., June 5, 2026. Comments may be emailed to Franz Ingelfinger at [email protected]. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 406-758-4433 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.