The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Today the Nature Conservancy announced the transfer of 760 acres of wildlife habitat to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. The Clear Creek Conservation Project will nearly double the size of the Nevada Creek Wildlife Management Area. It will provide crucial habitat for elk and mule deer, movement corridors for lynx and grizzly bears, as well as habitat for the westslope cutthroat trout. In addition, the project will provide new public access to the Helena National Forest.

“This project has enormous benefits for wildlife as well as for hunters and anglers,” said Dave Chadwick, executive director of the Montana Wildlife Federation. “Thanks to the hard work of Nature Conservancy, another important piece of Montana is being preserved for future generations of Montanans to access and enjoy.”

The Clear Creek Conservation Project was supported by funds from the Forest Legacy Program. Forest Legacy is part of the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Congress is currently debating whether to permanently reauthorize and fully-fund the program, which protects habitat, outdoor recreation, and public access for hunting and fishing.

“This is another great example of how the Land and Water Conservation Fund has such great benefits for hunters, anglers, and all Montanans” said Chadwick. “We’re grateful to Senator Jon Tester, Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Ryan Zinke for their support for LWCF. We hope they can prevail upon the rest of Congress to fully-fund this essential program.”