NATURE ON DISPLAY

Montana leads the nation in land that is protected by both federal and private groups. The Flathead National Forest alone exists of 2.3 million acres of federally protected land. And many private organizations exist within the state of Montana, to protect the pristine beauty of the land.

The Montana Land Trust Alliance, the Nature Conservancy in Helena and the Montana Wilderness Association are just a few examples. According to a 2000 study conducted by the Land Trust Alliance, there are over 2 million acres of land in Montana that is privately protected land. Montana is first in the nation in total private acreage devoted to conservation easements. This protected land is being preserved, with commercial and residential growth frowned upon. Conservation easements preserve the open space and the wildlife that depends on it – for generations to come.

Glacier National Park is one designated area of protected land in NW Montana. Glacier National park provides a variety of diverse wildlife habitats. In fact, there are over 200 species of bird, including the great bald eagle, and over 60 native mammals throughout the park area.  Some of the smaller mammals include the pika, the Columbian ground squirrel, chipmunks, and marmots.  Larger mammals include big horn sheep, elk, mountain goat, moose, mule deer, wolves, and, of course, the magnificent grizzly bear.

The flora in Glacier National Park is not to be overlooked. The Indian paintbrush flowers, the glacier lily, the vibrant-white shooting star and Montana’s state flower, the bitterroot – all grow freely around Glacier Country. As visitors will tell you, Glacier Country is filled with some of the most beautiful wildflowers anywhere.

Glacier National Park

Hungry Horse Reservoir

Jewel Basin

Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex