Since the proposal property contains riparian and sagebrush-grassland habitat relative to 

 the Habitat Montana classification of important and/or threatened habitats in Montana, 

 and since the property is very good "WINTER-SUMMER range lands PRIMARILY FOR 

 DEER", the property is most worthy of Mr. Beckman's vision that the land be "used for 

 Wildlife Conservation purposes and as a Public Hunting Ground", and that it "shall be 

 held for PERPETUITY". 



V. SCOPE FOR THE PROJECT 



Conserve and enhance land, water, and wildlife: 



(1) The proposal area contains 2,565 acres. It will be managed in perpetuity to enhance 

 soils, water, vegetation, and wildlife species' habitats for the benefit of the general public. 



(2) The current condition of the habitat is fair to good. Areas near water sources have 

 been heavily utilized by livestock and are in fair condition. Due to pasture configuration 

 and past ranch management some pastures have received disproportionately higher 

 levels of grazing and are only in fair condition. Vegetation condition is better (good) in 

 more remote, steep areas and farther from watering sources. About 40 percent of the 

 property is in good condition. 



(3) Wildlife species of major interest are: mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pheasants. 

 Species that are seasonally on the property and/or are not abundant, are pronghorn 

 antelope, sharp-tailed grouse, Merriam's turkey, Hungarian partridge, mountain lion, 

 bobcat, coyote, fox, badger, skunk, various waterfowl species, and a variety of non-game 

 birds and mammals. 



(4) Population objectives for the major wildlife species are: 120 mule deer and 60 white- 

 tailed deer during fall, before hunting season. Current populations are estimated to be 

 about 50% of objective for both species. Spring pheasant numbers are not known. The 

 objective is to increase next springs pheasant count by 5X in succeeding years. Other 

 wildlife species that are adapted to more residual and woody vegetative cover, as well as 

 to agricultural crops such as alfalfa, will likely increase. 



Contribute to hunting opportunity: ' 



(1) The proposal property is accessible to the general public via a county road into the 

 center of the property, via foot travel from adjacent private lands with landowner 

 permission, and via boat travel on the Judith River. Additional foot access may be 

 pursued through enrollment of neighboring properties into MFWPs Block Management 

 Program, or possibly through conservation easement or acquisition of adjacent properties. 



4ea 



