Wetlands donated to Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation

BIGFORK, Mont. (AP) — Thirty acres of land with 3,500 feet of Flathead River shoreline has been donated to Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation.

The Missoulian reports in a story on Thursday that Glacier Bank donated the land that connects to the 1,887-acre Flathead Lake Waterfowl Production Area administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The property was a repossession, and it’s prime wetlands next to a protected area,” foundation spokeswoman Jane Ratzlaff said. “They approached us and asked if it’s something we might want.”

The foundation said yes, seeing an opportunity to add more land to the waterfowl production area.

“That’s the real interest in it,” Ratzlaff said. “It helps expand that area, and gives us a lot of riverfront.”

Osprey, teal, marsh wrens and other species are attracted to the area, and now they’ll have additional room in the long and narrow property that’s on either side of the boat entrance to Eagle Bend Yacht Harbor.

Dennis Beams of Glacier Bank is friends with Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation executive director George Bettas, Ratzlaff said.

“Outdoor activities are at the core of Montana values and economic growth,” Beams said in a statement. “We are delighted to be able to provide one more point of access to enjoying the quality of life that makes Montana a special place to live and do business.”

Until last year, Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation was known as the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Foundation. Started in 1999, it’s involved in projects on private and public lands.

Those efforts include restoring wildlife habitat as well as supporting public access and state parks.

The group’s stated mission is “to provide private support for preserving and enhancing Montana’s natural, cultural and recreational resources.”

More in Life

These high-protein egg bites are filled with tomatoes, parsley and feta, but any omelet-appropriate toppings will do. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
A little care for the caretakers

These high-protein egg bites are perfect for getting a busy teacher through the witching hour in late afternoon.

Dr. Thomas F. Sweeney was a dentist seeking adventure and riches. He also had some mistaken ideas about the difficulties that life in remote Alaska entailed. (Public photo from ancestry.com)
Mary Penney and her 1898 Alaska Adventure — Part 5

The three-masted ship called the Agate was a reliable 30-year ocean veteran when it entered Cook Inlet in mid-October 1898.

Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science students perform “Let’s Eat,” their fifth grade musical, at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Healthy eating headlines elementary school musical

Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science stages “Let’s Eat” for its annual fifth grade musical.

Blueberries are photographed in Cooper Landing, Alaska, in August 2024. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Minister’s Message: A reminder that the earth provides

There is new life, even when we can’t see it.

The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference is held at Kachemak Bay Campus starting on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference returns for 23rd year

This year’s keynote presenter is author Ruth Ozeki.

This salad mixes broccoli, carrots and pineapple chunks for a bright, sweet dish. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
A bright and sweet Mother’s Day treat

Broccoli, pineapple and carrots are the heart of this flavorful salad.

file
Minister’s Message: Prudence prevents pain, and, possibly, fender benders

Parents carry the responsibility of passing down prudence and wisdom to their children.

This Library of Congress photo shows the U.S.S. Maine, which exploded and sank in the harbor at Havanna, Cuba, about the same time the Kings County Mining Company’s ship, the Agate left Brooklyn for Alaska. The Maine incident prompted the start of the Spanish-American War and complicated the mining company’s attempt to sail around Cape Horn.
Mary Penney and her 1898 Alaska adventure — Part 4

The Penney clan experienced a few weeks fraught with the possibility that Mary might never be returning home.

Students throw brightly hued powder into the air during a color run at Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science in Kenai, Alaska, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Color run paints students with kaleidoscope of hues

Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science on Saturday gathered parents and students… Continue reading

Most Read