New conservation easement near Bigfork borders other protected areas

A couple from Bigfork has partnered with the Flathead Land Trust to permanently protect their 40-acre property along the Harrell Forest Community Trails and some 200 more acres of land under easement.  

Sally and Paul Bradshaw established the easement on their property on July 15. The acreage is nestled in a relatively undeveloped area and consists of upland coniferous forests and meadows. The land will be managed with minimal intervention, providing critical habitat and safeguarding a wildlife movement corridor to and from Swan River.  

“Our hearts are in the Flathead. Supporting the Land Trust is our way of giving back – of ensuring its rivers, forest and wildlife endure for those who will walk these trails long after we’re gone,” the Bradshaws said in a press release. 

Including the Bradshaw’s property, there are more than 500 acres of protected and recreational land in the area northeast of downtown Bigfork. It borders the 238-acre Harrell Forest Community Trails property, which is owned and managed by Flathead Land Trust, and is protected by a conservation easement with Montana Land Reliance. This protected block of land is further expanded by the 173-acre Whitney property, also protected by a Montana Land Reliance conservation easement, as well as adjoining Pacificorp land, which includes the Swan River Nature Trail and 80 acres of forest.  

The new easement's proximity to other conservation areas and its ample perks for protecting wildlife make it a perfect fit for the Flathead Land Trust’s mission, according to Jennifer Guse, the organization's communications, outreach and special projects coordinator.  

“It’s kind of a poster project for what we do,” Guse said.  

There have been white-tailed deer, mountain lions and black bears seen on the property. The Bradshaws have also enjoyed sightings of red fox, skunk, coyote, a variety of bats and numerous bird species, including great gray owls, hummingbirds and western tanagers. 

The property also offers potential habitat to sensitive species, such as grizzly bear, fisher, porcupine and pileated woodpecker. A wide array of native plant species are also in the forest ecosystem. 

The new easement is private property, so it won’t be open to the public. However, Guse said the Flathead Land Trust is working on connector trails from the Swan River Trail to the Harrell Forest.  

“It’s not a done deal, but we are in the process of negotiating that project, which would be really cool for the public,” Guse said.  

The connector trails revive the mission of the Bigfork Outdoor Recreation Alliance, which spearheaded a community effort to develop an outdoor recreation plan for the Bigfork area in 2022 and 2023 — part of which was a connected trail system throughout the area.  

Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or tinman@dailyinterlake.com.