FWP Seeking Comment on Draft EA for Purchase of Conservation Easement in Phillips Co.

By Justin Stakes

Glasgow, MT -(AmmoLand.com)- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed action of purchasing a conservation easement on 1,760 acres from Wetlands America Trust Inc., a division of Ducks Unlimited (DU).

This property, called Pintail Flat, is located as a single parcel approximately 14 miles south of Dodson in Phillips County.

The proposed easement would continue to conserve and enhance wetland and grassland habitats, perpetuate agriculture as the principle use, and maintain public access. The property is located in a priority area for conservation of migratory and upland game birds and their habitats. The Pintail Flat acreage provides habitat to a number of waterfowl species and grassland birds, and a portion of the property is identified as sage grouse core area.

FWP plans to purchase the easement and implement the easement terms, including maintaining the present use of the pasture land on the property as livestock grazing. A rest-rotation grazing system would be implemented to maintain and improve range and wildlife habitat on the property.