Five Valleys Land Trust, others make deal to preserve Rock Creek acreage

The land along the mouth of Rock Creek – western Montana’s vaunted blue-ribbon trout stream – will remain undeveloped, thanks to a deal between the owners and several local conservation groups.  Five Valleys Land Trust director Grant Kier announced the $1.6 million purchase at the group’s annual banquet on Saturday. The land trust is celebrating its 40th anniversary.  The Clark Fork Coalition and Trout Unlimited are also helping with the project. Coalition director Karen Knudsen said her organization will concentrate on restoring some of the habitat, such as a large artificial pond built near the creek. ... read more

Learn more about working lands in the Upper Clark Fork at Dry Cottonwood Creek Ranch

The Clark Fork Coalition purchased Dry Cottonwood Creek Ranch in 2005 with the help of two conservation partners.  The ranch supports 150 head of cattle, and includes a grazing lease on adjacent U.S. Forest Service land.  Located east of Interstate 90 near Galen, the ranch contains three miles of Clark Fork River frontage, and will undergo a transformation as the Superfund cleanup takes place on the mainstem Clark Fork over the next decade.  Dry Cottonwood Creek Ranch serves as a critical resource for residents, citizens, and students throughout the Clark Fork --  join us anytime for a tour, restoration workday, or field trip.

Learn more about Hands on the Ranch, a program connecting local students to restoration projects on Dry Cottonwood Creek Ranch.