Flathead Land Trust is pleased to announce the permanent protection of the 40-acre Bradshaw property, just northeast of Bigfork. Sally and Paul Bradshaw partnered with Flathead Land Trust to establish a conservation easement on their property on July 15, 2025, safeguarding a vital piece of the Flathead Valley’s natural landscape.
The newly conserved property plays an important role in a larger network of protected lands, helping to preserve a contiguous swath of largely undeveloped forest extending from Swan Hill to the Swan River. 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 open space forest. The addition of the Bradshaw property to this conservation network helps to maintain the rural character and natural views of the area.
Nestled within this relatively undeveloped area, the Bradshaw property harbors healthy upland coniferous forests and open upland meadows. The land will be managed with minimal intervention, ensuring that the property continues to thrive in its natural state, providing critical habitat and safeguarding a wildlife movement corridor to and from Swan River. White-tailed deer and mountain lions are frequent visitors, and black bears are observed annually. The Bradshaws have 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 supported by this healthy forest ecosystem.
This conservation easement ensures that the Bradshaw property will forever contribute to the ecological health and natural beauty of Flathead County, providing invaluable habitat and landscape connectivity for numerous wildlife species and preserving open space for future generations
The Bradshaw’s summed up, “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.”
View of Flathead Lake from open meadow on the Bradshaw property.
Rock outcrops in forest on the newly protected Bradshaw property.
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