The Palmer property is approximately 116 acres in size and includes several wetland 

 basins, Va miles of riparian habitat associated with irrigation canals, and mixed 

 grass/alfalfa plantings. Current overall condition of the habitat is relatively good given 

 decades of good stewardship under current management and low intensity of utilization 

 of forage during the past 3 years. Irrigation of the pastures has kept grasses vigorous 

 enough to resist extensive invasion by noxious weeds. 



Ring-necked pheasants and migratory birds are the principal wildlife utilizing the site in 

 its current condition, and their numbers vary widely. Most North American dabbling 

 duck species occasionally use the wetlands, many species of raptors are often seen 

 there, as are shorebirds, and occasionally sandhill cranes. The area is also used 

 periodically by such Threatened and Endangered species as bald eagles, trumpeter 

 swans, and peregrine falcons. Habitats for ring-necked pheasant, waterfowl, non-game 

 birds, mammals, and reptiles/amphibians would be maintained and preserved with 

 acquisition by FWP. 



Short-term objectives of enhancing wetland condition, maintaining vigor of upland 

 herbaceous vegetation, and establishing food plots, and long-term potential activities of 

 wetland creation and enhancement of woody cover would protect soil, water, and 

 wildlife resources. Management costs would be minimal because the property is near 

 the WMA headquarters and adjacent to current holdings thus it would easily be 

 incorporated into the current management program at Ninepipe. Boundary fences and 

 flood irrigation system are in good condition, and perennial grasses and forbs along 

 with a riparian deciduous forest are growing on the entire acreage. 



Land Ownership 



The Ninepipe WMA surrounds the Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge and is bounded 

 by US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA's) and 

 private lands. Many of the private lands surrounding Ninepipe are being developed as 

 homesites. As subdivision increases, adjoining private lands that were formerly 

 devoted to compatible agricultural uses are now being converted to hobby farms and 

 rental housing units. With subdivision comes an increased housing density and 

 increases in the number of feral or semi-feral house pets, particularly dogs and cats. 

 These can be a serious threat to upland nesting waterfowl and upland game birds. 

 Increased housing densities increase conflicts with both consumptive and non- 

 consumptive wildlife recreationists. 



Location/Legal Description 



The location of the Palmer property is shown on the attached map (Appendix 1 ). The 

 property is located in the NW1/4 of Section 33 and NE1/4 Section 32, T20N R20W, in 

 Lake County, Montana. The property is generally located about one mile northeast of 

 the town of Charlo. 



