In the final hours of 2020, a conservation agreement was established to protect 44 acres of rich wildlife habitat at the confluence of two rivers in the Bull River Valley. The partnership between a private land-owner and Kaniksu Land Trust helps to preserve the scenic rural nature and astonishing mountain views of the river corridor, visible from State Highway 56 and an adjacent U.S. Forest Service road, as well as from the river itself while floating or paddling. The protection of a pristine river corridor, flourishing wetland and riparian areas, healthy forest, and mountain views make this conservation agreement a valuable asset for future generations.

Fish, wildlife, and plant communities also benefit from the project. Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks have recorded sightings of sensitive species such as grizzly bear and lynx in the area, and the East Fork Bull River is of particular importance to spawning and migrating bull trout. The project area also protects access to several miles of streams that are projected to maintain cold water temperatures despite potentially fluctuating environmental conditions.

“This is a wonderfully important parcel of land in terms of both wildlife habitat and preservation of the scenic view corridor of the Bull River Valley. KLT is honored to support the permanent protection of this private land and humbled by the landowner’s commitment to preserving a particularly wild corner of western Montana,” said Regan Plumb, KLT Conservation Director.

Since 2002, Kaniksu Land Trust has helped area families to protect nearly 4,000 acres of working farms, scenic views, important wetlands, and habitat for wildlife in Bonner and Boundary counties in Idaho and Sanders County, Montana.