Critical Lands
Together, we can protect and conserve the heart of the Flathead Valley.
The Flathead Valley is growing and changing rapidly, but if there is one common value that unites our community, it is an appreciation for our unparalleled land, water, wildlife, and their beauty.
In 2000, the Flathead Lakers brought together private landowners, local land trusts, conservation organizations, counties, tribes, and public agencies to identify, conserve, and restore land critical to maintaining clean water in our watershed. These efforts gave rise to the Flathead River to Lake Initiative, a collaborative partnership that works together to conserve critical lands that help sustain our Flathead natural heritage while accommodating smart growth.
The strength and commitment of this group has led to protecting nearly 9,000 acres of critical lands, adding to a conservation network of more than 14,000 acres of private and publicly protected lands along the Flathead River; reestablishing the native plant community at nine stream and river riparian restoration sites; and educating our community about the importance of these riparian systems.
The success of the Flathead River to Lake Initiative is due to the hard work of partners involved, successful coordination and cooperation, and the landowners who support and believe in preserving their beautiful and critically important lands.
Donations to the Conservation Fund support on-the-ground conservation of critical wetlands and riparian areas in the Flathead River to Lake focus area.
Owen Sowerwine Conservation Completed!
Nearly fifty years ago, a man named Owen Sowerwine dreamed of safeguarding a 405-acre community treasure with exceptional, intact forested river bottom habitat near Kalispell. In February 2024, that vision blossomed into reality.
After years of collaboration between Flathead Land Trust, Flathead Audubon Society, Flathead Lakers, Montana Audubon, and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Owen Sowerwine property is now permanently protected by a conservation easement held by Flathead Land Trust.
RECENT CONSERVATION PROJECTS
Bad Rock Canyon Conservation Project Complete
In Dec. 2021, MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks completed the purchase of the 772-acre Bad Rock Canyon property along the Flathead River, east of Columbia Falls. Thanks to numerous partners, funders, and supporters, the Bad Rock Canyon property is now protected forever. Thank you for your strong support throughout this conservation effort
Somers State Park Becomes a Reality
In October 2021, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks acquired 106-acre Somers Beach property - a new state park on the north shore of Flathead Lake.
Critical Lands
The Flathead River to Lake Initiative is a collaborative effort to conserve and restore our Flathead River and Lake natural heritage – excellent water quality, outstanding scenic and recreation values, abundant fish and wildlife, and prime farm land.
Critical lands include wetlands, riparian areas and forests, floodplains, and shallow groundwater that help maintain and improve these values.
Conservation
Growth pressures and development can lead to the loss of scenic views, degraded water quality, loss of access, and loss of habitat.
By working together, we can conserve what is special about the Flathead Valley while accommodating growth.
Restoration
Along with our partners, we work with landowners to improve habitat along stream and river banks.
We also share information about good land stewardship practices, and organize volunteer restoration plantings around the Valley.
What can you do?
You can be a part of the Flathead River to Lake legacy of good stewardship so that people can enjoy our Flathead natural heritage for generations to come.
Success Stories
Learn about our recent successful conservation projects along the Flathead River.
Thanks to the generous support from so many of our members and community.
Stories, Maps, Handouts
Listen to landowners’ conservation stories, check maps and studies that outline critical areas, or download handouts for landowners,