Briefs: New 33,000-acre nature reserve; More areas opened for bird hunting

The state approves the purchase of a 33,000-acre conservation area
Aaron Bolton | Montana Public Radio

State officials on Monday approved the purchase of a nearly 33,000-acre nature preserve about 45 miles southeast of Libby.

The land is located in the Salish and Cabinet Mountains and is owned by Green Diamond Resources Company, a timber producer.

The land has long been used by the public and the state has attempted to maintain this access through conservation measures. The latest deal was approved by the Montana Land Board and allows for continued timber production in addition to public recreation and hunting.

The state plans to pay Green Diamond Resources $40,000 for this project. The agency will use a mix of state and federal conservation funds as well as private donations.

This is the first phase of a larger development project in the area. The state hopes to acquire an additional 52,000-acre easement to the south in the future.

Additional areas are open for bird hunting in the highlands
Elinor Smith | Montana Public Radio

State wildlife officials have opened up more land for upland bird hunting. The 40,000 additional acres are part of a program that encourages private landowners to allow public hunters on their property.

This year, the state increased the number of acres that private landowners can lease to a state program that manages upland wild bird populations. The state has also increased and in some cases doubled payments to landowners for bird habitat conservation.

Since making the change this spring, the program has seen a roughly 10 percent increase in enrollment from private landowners.

Montana residents interested in hunting upland game birds this season can view a map of new land additions on the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website.