In Profile: A Common Vision for Bull River

Land clearing, road building and increased timber harvesting are changing the landscape of Montana's Bull River. This landscape, like more than 25 million acres of land across the West, is at risk of development. Fortunately for the threatened bull trout that are found in this river, a portion of forestland slated for sale was just upstream from one of Avista Corp.'s hydroelectric projects on the Lower Clark Fork.

The Bull River project brought together a leading company, environmentalists and agencies, loggers and miners, real estate agents, hunters and anglers and even local politicians, all of whom shared a common vision and focused their combined will to protect a beautiful piece of land for wildlife and for people.

- Nate Hall, Terrestrial Resource Program Leader, Avista Corp.

Summary

A partnership between Avista Corp., The Conservation Fund, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Plum Creek Timber Company and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services helped protect more than 1,800 acres of wildlife habitat along Montana's Bull River.

Challenge

Since the 1990's, when Avista first approached local stakeholders in an effort to streamline the relicensing of its dams, the company sought ways to conserve critical habitat for bull trout in the 88,500-acre watershed.

Solution

Through a partnership with The Conservation Fund and others, the company helped create the 1,800-acre Bull River Wildlife Management Area.

Results

The Bull River Wildlife Management Area now embraces migratory corridors for wildlife, from elk to grizzly bears, as well as spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout. A forest of mature cedar and hemlock trees encircles the wetlands, providing treetop cavities for woodpeckers and other birds. In addition to birdwatching, people can now hunt and fish in this remarkable landscape.