Hello Paul

FWP is proposing to purchase and manage a conservation easement (CE) on 1,080 acres owned by owned by Cliff Henderson north of Winifred, MT.

(see map below)

We are asking you to take a few moments to read the description below and send in your comments on this proposal. Both Montana Wild Sheep Foundation and the Wild Sheep Foundation have agreed to fund the remaining $10,000 to complete this easement. Stafford Ferry CE is an extension of the Whiskey Ridge Conservation easement the we supported a few years ago. It is important that FWP receive public support for this proposal which will help protect important bighorn habitat but will also open up more public access. 

This proposed easement, called the “Stafford Ferry Conservation Easement,” will protect and conserve mixed sagebrush-grassland habitat adjoining the Missouri River Breaks in bighorn sheep hunting district 482. This easement will also guarantee free public access for hunting and other recreational pursuits, satisfying FWP’s objectives in providing access and recreational opportunities to the public. The property adjoins and facilitates access to an additional 15,400 acres of DNRC and BLM lands including the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

FWP is currently seeking review and public comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for this proposed easement. The EA and associated documents, including the Draft Deed of Conservation Easement and Draft Management Plan may be obtained by viewing FWP’s website: fwp.mt.gov/news/public-notices

A 15-day public review and comment period will be available Feb. 19 – March 6, 2024. A public informational meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2024, at the BLM office in Lewistown, MT.

Comments may be made online on the EA webpage or may be directed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, c/o Stafford Ferry Easement Proposal, PO Box 938, Lewistown, MT 59457. Or email comments to sandersen@mt.gov  Attn: StaffordFerry Easement Proposal. 

For questions regarding the proposed project, please call Lewistown-Area wildlife biologist, Sonja Andersen, at (406) 366-5266 or email: sandersen@mt.gov

Comments must be received by MFWP no later than 5 p.m. on March 6, 2024.