Kootenai Forestlands

Kootenai Forestlands encompass all the natural wonders notable in Montana. Blue skies blend into rugged mountain terrain that overflows with firs, pines, and spruce trees. Valleys of well-known mountain ranges feature two major rivers, and gently rolling timbered hills provide a break in the craggy mountainous area.

For generations, the forests surrounding Libby, Montana; Lake Koocanusa; and the Kootenai River have provided jobs for the local economy, clean drinking water, and critical fish and wildlife habitats.

Trust for Public Land and many other partners protected Kootenai Forestlands forever through conservation easements, guaranteeing public access and preserving sustainable forestry on nearly 50,000 acres of wild lands.

Local Economy: Stimson Lumber Company provides sustainable timber management on the property, reducing future costs of fighting wildfires and retaining jobs for northwest Montana residents.

Wildlife Habitat: Bordering 133 miles of the Kootenai National Forest, this property links an extensive network of wildlife corridors from Montana to Washington to British Columbia that is crucial for the survival of the Cabinet-Yaak grizzly bears, a population of fewer than 75 bears. The land also protects habitat for Canada lynx, bull trout, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and moose.

Recreation: Residents and visitors have counted on this land for hunting, fishing, and hiking. Local outdoor education programs offer self-guided trail tours, forest education classes, and environmental science and wilderness survival workshops on the land.

“Trust for Public Land is thrilled to have played a part in conservation efforts that will ensure the protection of working forests, wood-product jobs, and permanent public land access for thousands of Montanans,” says Chris Deming, TPL’s Northern Rockies land protection director.