As a Montanan who enjoys being able to ride horses from the Bear Dance trailhead on Hwy 35 to Estes Lake, and back home, I am strongly opposed to the DNRC proposal to sell the 440 acre parcel of State Land that includes this wonderful lake and recreation opportunity. These 440 acres are adjacent to 640 acres of Forest Service land which they have designated as a Natural Research Area. Together these acres provide habitat and a critical corridor for elk, deer, bear, (grizzly & black) lynx, mountain lion, coyote, snowshoe hare, and birds of many species. There is an ongoing research study of peregrine falcons near the area.
There are a number of alternatives to the sale of these acres that would result in preserving this special area for the use and enjoyment of the public which I support. Under the provisions of the Montana Natural Areas Act of 1974 this parcel could be declared a “Natural Area” by either the State Land Board or the State Legislature. There is also a possibility for a land swap with the U.S. Forest Service. Either of these alternatives would be better than losing the land to private development.
For more information: contact Edd Blackler blackler@acrossmontana.net or 837-5196
