Comment in Support of Stafford Ferry Conservation Easement

[MTGomer]

There is already a long running thread about the Stafford Ferry CE, but figured I'd start this one to hopefully grab some attention and motivate people to comment in support.

This project is finally on the Montana FWP Commission Agenda for the August meeting. Public comment will be accepted until August 4th.

This is a very important CE that ties together the existing Whiskey Ridge CE with BLM land in Bighorn Sheep Unit 482. This area is critical habitat for Bighorn Sheep as well as deer and elk.

"The easement would preclude further conversion of native ground, limit development, institute grazing standards, offer public access opportunities, and ensure the land remains a farming/ranching operation. An independent appraisal valued the easement at $1,080,000. Northwestern Energy, the Wild Sheep Foundation, and Montana Wild Sheep Foundation have offered funding assistance for the project. The landowner is also donating a portion of the CE’s value. FWP would utilize Bighorn Sheep Auction dollars and Habitat MT to fund the remainder of the CE purchase (including the appraisal and due diligence) at $980,000."

The webpage is here; https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/august-2025-meeting

scroll down until you see the Stafford Ferry Tab to open any attachments and to submit your comment.

 

[COEngineer]

Your post title may have been misunderstood by some - it sounded to me like "Someone commented about an easement". Perhaps a more click-baity title would get more attention. Something like, "Take Action! Support Conservation Easement in MT"
Edit: I see now. You already did the click-bait thing. Congrats

 

[Forkyfinder]

If you want more sheep - the link should look like this.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I was hoping this was just clickbait to publicize a Sydney Sweeney visit to town.

I previously made a comment in support of the easement.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Yeah, it was dark when I walked up there and I didn’t go all the way to the top