Private landowners and two nonprofit groups finalized a conservation agreement on October 10 to protect 140 acres on Big Mountain.
The preserved land sits near Whitefish Lake and Whitefish Mountain Resort, surrounded by Flathead National Forest and another protected area.
This new easement strengthens a crucial wildlife corridor linking Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and the Selkirk Mountains.
It connects to other conservation zones like Trumbull Creek and Haskill Basin, forming a continuous stretch of protected habitat.
Ryan Hunter, land protection specialist at Flathead Land Trust, said the project protects one of the last untouched areas on Big Mountain.
He praised the landowners for helping secure the corridor against heavy development pressures threatening local wildlife movement.
Collaboration Strengthens Habitat Protection
Flathead Land Trust partnered with the Heart of the Rockies Initiative and private landowners to complete the easement.
Hunter said the project focuses solely on preserving habitat and ecosystem integrity, not on expanding public access or recreation.
He explained that the new easement builds “an interconnected network of open space and quality habitat” across the mountain landscape.
As development increases, Hunter emphasized that conserving large tracts of forest is vital for maintaining ecological balance.
The protected land includes Douglas fir and western red cedar forests that shelter moose, elk, bears, wolves, and mountain lions.
Seasonal wetlands, creeks, and springs provide water and food for nearly 100 bird species throughout the year.
Project Safeguards Water and Scenic Beauty
The property’s seven natural springs and underground water flows feed directly into Whitefish Lake, supporting clean water and stability.
Flathead Land Trust said the easement reduces erosion and nutrient runoff, protecting the lake’s clarity and ecosystem health.
It also preserves the scenic beauty of the forested hillside visible from Big Mountain Road and nearby public trails.
Jim Williams of the Heart of the Rockies Initiative said the project secures one of Big Mountain’s last undeveloped forested habitats.
He praised the landowners for decades of stewardship that preserved wildlife habitat and protected Whitefish Lake’s watershed.
Funding from the Liz Claiborne & Art Ortenberg Foundation supported the project through the Keep it Connected Program, ensuring its success.
