Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has recommended that the proposed purchase of two conservation easements totaling 10,000 acres in Haskill and Trumbull creek basins move forward, including in an area that would permanently protect Whitefish’s water supply.
The state agency recommended the FWP Commission immediately approve the purchase of a $16.7 million easement on more than 3,000 forested acres in Haskill Basin north of Whitefish, and another $9.5 million easement on more than 7,000 acres northwest of Columbia Falls in the Trumble Creek area.
Both of the proposed easements are owned by F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co.
Known collectively as the South Whitefish Range Conservation Project, the agency has released its draft environmental assessment and accepted public comment until Nov. 22.
A draft environmental assessment said both properties were prime candidates to become future luxury home development sites, and the pieces fell together quickly due to the significant development pressures.
FWP recommended approval after reviewing 56 public comments received on the project between Oct. 27 and Nov. 22.
Spokesman John Fraley said 29 of the comments supported the project, and none opposed it. The remaining comments raised questions and comments addressed in the decision document.
The city of Whitefish derives 75 percent of its municipal water supply from Second and Third creeks in Haskill Basin, and previously abandoned a water intake at First Creek due to contamination from nearby developments.
Whitefish residents in April voted overwhelmingly to increase the city’s resort tax by 1 percentage point to pay for its share of the Haskill easement.