The Flathead Forest owns a 40 acre tract of land and water to the southeast and 

 approximately 10 acres to the southwest; however, the Flathead Forest is in the 

 process of transferring all their Flathead River tracts to FWP. To the east of Coriell, 

 along Brenneman's Slough, another 12 acres has been donated to FWP. The 

 Department of State Lands leases approximately 442 acres northeast of Coriell to 

 Flathead County with the lease expense paid by the Flathead Audubon Society. This 

 tract, known as the Owen Sowerwine Natural Area, is the state's first and only 

 designated natural area. Finally, Flathead County Parks and Recreation owns an 

 undeveloped parcel directly to the west of Coriell (Fig. 1). 



E. VALUES OF PROPERTY 



1. Wildlife 



The Coriell property provides year-round habitat for numerous game species 

 including white-tailed deer, turkey, pheasants, ruffed grouse, a variety of 

 waterfowl, beaver, river otter, mink, and muskrat. In fact, the proximity of 

 this braided section to downstream sloughs, Brenneman's slough, the Stillwater 

 River, and the island character make it some of the best river otter habitat in 

 Montana. It is located within a river section which supports a high density of 

 beaver (2 colonies per channel mile). It provides foraging habitat for great 

 blue herons and double crested cormorants which have rookeries located just to 

 the east of the island. It is used by osprey and bald eagles; active nests of 

 these species occur nearby. It is also used by bald eagles wintering along the 

 river. It provides excellent habitat for breeding and brood-rearing habitat for 

 wood ducks, common and hooded mergansers. Barrows and common 

 goldeneyes, Canada geese, and mallards. The island's wetland habitats support 

 western toads and painted turtles. A wildlife species list based on surveys of 

 the Owen Sowerwine Natural Area and adjacent habitats (Appendix A) is 

 indicative of the wildlife diversity and importance of this habitat. 



2. Fisheries 



In addition to wildlife values, the aquatic habitat provides excellent foraging 

 and cover habitat for a large number of migratory and resident fisheries. Most 

 notable is the importance the Flathead mainstem for migratory adult and 

 juvenile bull trout, a species warranted (but precluded) for listing as a 

 threatened and endangered species by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and 

 west slope cutthroat trout, a species of special concern in Montana. Both these 

 species use the gravel bars, overhanging banks, and channels for foraging and 

 cover during their migrations. 



3. Recreation 



