OBJECTIVE 



The objective is to acquire in fee title an additional 116 acres of upland nesting cover, 

 wetlands, and riparian habitats adjacent to the Ninepipe WMA for upland game bird, 

 waterfowl, songbird, raptor, and small mammal conservation consistent with the 

 management objectives of the Ninepipe WMA. 



SCOPE OF PROJECT 



The proposed acquisition will eliminate the subdivision development threat to this 

 parcel and thereby preserve important avian and mammalian habitat, including key 

 nesting, brood rearing, and winter habitat for waterfowl and upland game birds. 



The property is bordered by State Highway 212 which provides easy access for hunters 

 and promotes numerous nondisruptive wildlife viewing opportunities. The property will 

 be used by hunters essentially every day of the waterfowl and pheasant seasons. On 

 opening weekends up to 200 people may hunt on the property once acquired. 



An estimated 500 hunter-day opportunities would be provided annually on this 

 property. By dispersing hunting pressure, the quality of recreational experience for all 

 hunters at Ninepipe would be enhanced. About 3,000 hunter days currently occur 

 annually on the entire Ninepipe WMA. Most pheasant and waterfowl hunters use 

 several portions of the WMA on a given day. 



Hiking, bird watching, photography, dog training, horseback riding, and nature study 

 would all occur on the property. Some form of wildlife-oriented recreation occurs on the 

 Ninepipe WMA virtually every day of the year, and this level of use is expected to occur 

 on the Palmer property as well. About 400 nonhunting, recreational days per year 

 would be likely on the new property. 



MANAGEMENT APPROACH 



The primary focus of management will be to maintain the diversity of wildlife, their 

 habitats and compatible public recreation (see attached Management Plan). Spring and 

 summer recreation, including wildlife viewing and hunting-dog training will be restricted 

 in a manner to prevent disruption of nesting and brood-rearing activity. General public 

 hunting of waterfowl and upland game birds will be coordinated with the Confederated 

 Salish and Kootenai Tribes under the auspices of the State/Tribal Hunting and Fishing 

 Agreement. 



A minimal amount of earth work would be proposed to increase wetland size and 

 number. Flood irrigation to manage water levels in wetlands would be accomplished 

 such that condition of upland habitats would be maintained. 



Noxious weed control efforts would involve spot spraying, clipping, and pulling. 



