Land transfer may benefit grizzlies

TROY, Mont. — Public recreation access and one of the Lower 48’s smallest recovering grizzly bear populations will benefit from a recent collaboration between public, private and nonprofit partners in northwestern Montana.

Utilizing the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, The Vital Ground Foundation completed the purchase and transfer of the Falls Creek Project to the Kootenai National Forest this week, ensuring a conservation outcome for 160 key acres in the Cabinet Mountains near Troy, a press release said.

“This unique parcel, situated along the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, serves as a key link between lower elevation recreational opportunities and the higher, more rugged Wilderness experience. We are excited to manage the land appropriately and maintain public access for all to enjoy,” said Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Chad Benson. “This was an excellent example of collaboration, with many people in different groups working towards a common goal of land conservation.”

Formerly private timberlands, the property was owned by conservation-minded individuals seeking to transfer ownership while keeping the land as open space with public access. The project’s landscape includes a hiking trail to one of the area’s largest waterfalls as well as access to the larger Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Area.

“The landowners recognized that the public has always enjoyed access to these private lands and adjacent public lands,” said Mitch Doherty, Conservation Director for Vital Ground. “This project ensures that access will continue while also conserving an important area for grizzly bear recovery.”

In addition to public recreation, the project ensures open space will remain for diverse wildlife that move between the Cabinet Mountain high country and lower elevations. 

The area is home to a rich suite of native species, including moose, elk, wolves, wolverine, native trout and a population of roughly 50 grizzly bears spread between the Cabinets and the Yaak Valley to the north.

Maintaining open habitat is crucial to the slow recovery of the Cabinet-Yaak grizzly population. The Falls Creek Project will help both these bears and residents stay safe by conserving an important buffer zone between mountain habitat and more developed areas around nearby Savage Lake. Adjacent lands already under conservation protection from the USDA Forest Legacy Program, solidify the buffer. 

Conserving former timberlands also benefits the area’s growing recreation economy. The project ensures residents and visitors can continue to enjoy mountain biking and cross-country skiing on the Falls Creek trail network while accessing the larger expanse of public lands for hiking, fishing, hunting and other popular uses.

“The Falls Creek Project is a win-win for conservation and for the Troy community,” said Shawna Kelsey, a local business owner and former president of the Troy City Council. “The Falls Creek land is a gem whose protection is broadly supported as a resource for its cultural and ecological values but also its recreation assets."

She said the area has long been a local favorite for hiking and biking, and it would have been devastating for many if the land had been subdivided and developed, locking the public out. 

"As Troy is being sought out more and more for its recreation opportunities, it is invaluable to have more front-country hiking options for visitors and locals alike," Kelsey said.