Montana Elk Habitat Conserved, Opened to Public Access

SWAN VALLEY - A 640-acre private parcel within a mile of Holland Lake is now federally owned thanks to a collaborative effort between the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a conservation-minded family and the U.S. Forest Service.

The landowner had the acreage on the real estate market. A couple years ago they contacted the RMEF to see if they were interested in purchasing it.

"We purchase and protect lands [like the Holland Lake Project] because they are so vital and the impacts from resident development would be irreversible and permanent," said Mike Mueller, RMEF senior lands program manager.

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