FEATURED PROJECTS

Church Slough Protected

July 2009 - Flathead Land Trust and landowners Ben and Maureen Louden have partnered to protect 300 acres of Flathead River wetlands, riparian habitat and farmland. The property includes Church Slough, a unique oxbow slough of the Flathead River south of Kalispell.  Rich in wildlife and providing habitat for numerous species of migratory birds, the slough also helps maintain the water quality of the river and of Flathead Lake.  

Flathead Land Trust also worked with River to Lake Initiative partners Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Flathead Lakers, and the American Bird Conservancy, to secure the easement.  Money from a recently awarded North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant was used to purchase part of the easement, with the Loudens donating the remainder.

“It was so rewarding to work with the Loudens,” said Stacy Allen, Lands Protection Specialist with the Flathead Land Trust.  “Their family can continue to work the land while still preserving the scenic beauty of this critical wildlife and waterfowl habitat.”

Read more about the Loudens and this outstanding wildlife habitat in the Fall 2009 View Points.

To view other projects, click here.