Plum Creek conservation deal biggest in U.S.
by MICHAEL JAMISON, Missoulian, June 30, 2008

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As with much of the West, our part of the Northern Rockies is heavily influenced by the “checkerboard” land ownership pattern that resulted from the 1864 Railroad Land Grants.  In the Seeley-Swan, every other square mile is owned and managed by Plum Creek Timber Company. 

Photo:  2006 aerial photo of Seeley-Swan

During the past decade, Plum Creek Timber Company has been increasingly identifying lands for “higher and better uses.”  These lands – typically waterfront lands or lands with dramatic mountain views – are being put on the real estate market.  The potential for second homes to be built out all across the landscape, fragmenting wildlife habitat and cutting off public access, has motivated many in our community to work on conservation initiatives. 

Northwest Connections has been working since 1997 to help identify and protect the most important Plum Creek lands in the Swan Valley.  The map below summarizes those lands (in yellow) that have been conserved to date and also shows the lands (in red) currently slated for future conservation purchases.