Similar to other Ninepipe WMA parcels, annual farming activity for upland game bird 

 and migratory waterfowl food plots would be planned. 



DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATIVES 



Alternative A - No Action 



FWP would forego acquisition of the Palmer property to preserve wildlife habitat. The 

 land would most likely be sold for rural subdivision. The current agricultural use would 

 be converted to either custodial care or a hobby farm raising livestock as pets (horses) 

 or for food. Current wildlife values could not be assured into the future. 



The No Action Alternative (Alternative A) would result in the Palmers retaining fee title 

 to the 116 acres of agricultural lands in Lake County. This alternative would provide for 

 the maintenance of private ownership of the land, but the land use may change from 

 agricultural to rural residential. This alternative would provide for continued 

 contributions of personal and property tax to local, state, and federal governments, but 

 would also increase service expenses for local governments. Contributions to the local 

 economy would change from primarily agricultural to those associated with rural 

 residences. In this alternative FWP would lose the opportunity to pursue other 

 strategies to maintain habitat for upland, and wetland-related wildlife species. The 

 Palmers would have the opportunity to sell the land to other interested individuals. 

 Under this alternative, current wildlife values related to the land and the ongoing 

 agricultural practices could not be assured into the future. 



Alternative C - Fee Title Acquisition 



Acquisition of the Palmer property by fee title (Alternative C) would give the state of 

 Montana (FWP) ownership of the land, the opportunity to initiate implementation of a 

 Management Plan, and the opportunity to conduct planned management activities to 

 affect habitat enhancement for a variety of seasonal and yearlong wildlife and 

 recreational uses. Under this alternative, FWP would maintain the vegetative condition 

 of existing habitats, explore opportunities to create new or improved wildlife habitat, 

 and allow existing perennial vegetation to maintain vigor. In addition, FWP would plant 

 cover and food plots and allow public access for various recreational activities. FWP 

 would pay in-lieu-of taxes equal to the real estate taxes paid by the Palmers. 

 Enhanced wildlife populations and increased public recreation opportunities would be 

 realized. 



The Palmers have expressed interest in selling their land to FWP as an addition to the 

 Ninepipe WMA. For this reason primarily, the owners were not interested in a 

 conservation easement. The proposed action is designed to be responsive to the 

 interests of both the Palmer family and the sportsmen and women of Montana. 

 Alternative C represents a role FWP would assume in the maintenance of prime 

 agricultural lands that have high habitat values for upland birds, watchable wildlife, and 



