Just kidding. But now that I have your attention, conservation needs 5 minutes of your time.
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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.
________________________________
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.
