Printable Version
Protecting one of the largest, most ecologically valuable wetland complexes in southwest Montana is a big job, and it takes a complex partnership of state and federal agencies, private organizations, and individual determination to get it done. That partnership is the Montana Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP).
Through funding received under CREP, the Laszlo family from Ennis, Montana owners of the Granger Ranches on O'Dell Creek, developed a conservation plan. In cooperation with the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), PPL Montana, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and others, the Laszlo's plan on protecting and preserving some of the highest quality riparian and wetland habitat in the entire Madison River floodplain.
During Phase I of their project, this fifth generation working cattle ranch restored the riparian area by planting more than 4,000 trees and installing 14,650 feet of suspension fence. Phase II and Phase III will involve the continuation of the riparian buffers zones on approximately 120 acres.
Several other practices have been installed by the Laszlo's to help facilitate the family ranch but are not involved in the CREP contract. Several animal trail walkways were installed and PPL Montana provided financial assistance for the installation of an offsite pipeline and tank.
For their efforts, the Laszlo family was honored as the 2005 Montana Wetland Stewardship Award winners
CREP will provide benefits to one of the largest, most ecologically valuable wetland complexes in southwest Montana.
More than 14,000 feet of suspension fence has been installed under CREP to protect wildlife on the Granger Ranch near Ennis, Montana
|
