Permanently Protected: 105 Acres near Glacier National Park

View of the Flathead River and Glacier National Park from the newly protected Lane property

Permanently Protected

A newly established conservation easement secures critical habitat and a key segment of a major wildlife corridor south of Glacier National Park. Connie Lane partnered with Flathead Land Trust to permanently protect her 105-acre forested property west of Coram this week, safeguarding habitat and connectivity along the Flathead River and a critical stretch of Northwest Montana’s landscape.

A Vital Connection for Wildlife

Protecting this parcel ensures secure habitat and safe passage for grizzly bears and other wildlife, serving as a crucial link within the iconic Crown of the Continent Ecosystem. Located on the backside of Teakettle Mountain, just two miles south of Glacier National Park and the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River, it lies in a strategic location for wildlife movement. Bordering existing conservation easements on two sides and U.S. Forest Service land on another, the newly protected land strengthens a vast network of contiguous protected lands totaling millions of acres, including Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Protecting Habitat, Water and Scenic Beauty

The newly protected property encompasses a rich mosaic of dense forest, expansive wetlands, and a network of ephemeral streams. Spanning a tenth of a mile of Flathead River frontage, this diverse habitat offers essential forage and security for wildlife moving through the corridor. The landowner has documented grizzly and black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, wolves, moose, and elk traversing the land. Beyond mammals, the property is an avian sanctuary, supporting at least 86 bird species, 24 of which are designated as sensitive or species of concern. Furthermore, the property’s riverfront protects vital habitat for the threatened bull trout and other native fish.

In addition to its value for wildlife, the Lane property plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological integrity of the Flathead River. Portions of ephemeral tributaries and a significant wetland on the conservation easement help protect the water quality and hydrological health of the river.

Recreationists floating the Flathead River will also benefit from this easement, as it permanently preserves the scenic, forested view shed that defines the experience of the river corridor west of Coram.

The Impact of Private Land Conservation

The permanent protection of the Lane property underscores the power of voluntary land stewardship in preserving Northwest Montana’s natural heritage. By choosing conservation, Connie Lane has ensured that this critical link in the Crown of the Continent landscape will remain intact in perpetuity, providing a lasting gift to the region’s wildlife and human communities.

Connie Lane offered this insight into the project’s personal impact: “Back in 1996, I went up the Going to the Sun highway for the first time. I was so moved because it felt like I was looking into God’s face. The beauty of Mother Nature inspired me to find a way to buy some land on the river close to the Park. Eventually that opportunity presented itself to me three times so that I was able to combine three lots and protect 105.6 acres. I am so grateful for Flathead Land Trust’s help in taking all the steps necessary to protect this land and the animals and birds who use it. It gives me peace of mind.”