Group says deal reached to buy key habitat in Yellostone region
Copyright 2001 Associated Press
June 26, 2001
BIG SKY - A national land trust organization said Tuesday it has reached an agreement to purchase about 3,250 acres of wildlife habitat from 10 private landowners near here.
Under the proposed sale, the land in the Taylor Fork drainage would eventually become part of the Gallatin National Forest and be open to the public, the Trust for Public Land said.
The Taylor Fork drainage has long been regarded as a valuable wildlife area in the Yellowstone region, providing critical habitat for grizzly bear, wolverine and lynx. It also is home to a large wintering moose population.
The landowners who have agreed to sell include David Brask, owner of the 320 Guest Ranch.
Under the proposed sale, the land would be acquired over a two-year period. The Trust for Public Land, which has offices in Helena and Bozeman, said it is seeking $3.5 million from Congress to complete the first phase of the sale this year.
Montana's two senators praised the agreement.
"We've been working for years to put aside this important land in the Taylor Fork area because it's so important to our hunting, fishing and outdoor heritage," Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., said in a news release.
Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., said the agreement was supported by a broad coalition of conservation, sportsmen and business groups.
"Preserving this unique part of Montana will be good for wildlife as well as the public," Burns said.