I. INTRODUCTION 



House Bill 526 passed by the 1987 Legislature (MCA 87-1-241, MCA 87-1-242) authorizes 

 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to acquire an interest in land for the purpose of protecting 

 and improving wildlife habitat. Additionally, the Northwest Power Act authorized funds for 

 acquiring wildlife habitat due to habitat losses from the development of Libby and Hungry Horse 

 dams. These acquisitions can be through fee title, conservation easements, or leasing. In 1989, 

 the Montana legislature passed House Bill 720 requiring that a socioeconomic assessment be 

 completed when wildlife habitat is acquired. These assessments evaluate the significant social and 

 economic impacts of the purchase on local governments, employment, schools, and impacts on 

 local businesses. 



This socioeconomic evaluation addresses the fee title purchase of land owned by the Morris 

 family. The report addresses the physical and institutional setting as well as the social and 

 economic impacts associated with the proposed purchase. 



n. PHYSICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL SETTING 



A. Property Description 



The property is an island in the Flathead River located just upstream from the confluence of the 

 Stillwater River. The Morris property comprises 40 acres of the fifty-eight acre island. The 

 remaining acres are owned by the Flathead National Forest. A comprehensive description and 

 map of the property are in the draft environmental assessment (EA). 



B. Habitat and Wildlife Populations 



Due to the braided nature of the Flathead River in this area, the islands in this section contain 

 mature and old growth forest as well as excellent riparian habitat. 



This land supports numerous game species (white-tailed deer, river otters, pheasants, turkey, and 

 waterfowl) as well as habitat for a long list of other wildlife. A detailed list is provided on page 

 3 of the environmental assessment (EA) and management plan for the property. 



As the managemoit plan points out, this island provides a diversity of aquatic habitat (forage and 

 cover) for fisheries, most notably the bull trout. 



C. Current Use 



The property is currently owned by the Morris family. They have left the land in an undisturbed 

 state; no development has occurred on the property. Recreation is the main use on the property 

 according to the EA. 



