CF CLARK FORK-PEND OREILLE Conservancy

News & Updates

Another Bull River Property Permanently Protected

The Clark Fork-Pend Oreille Conservancy has closed a conservation easement on 57 scenic acres in the Bull River Valley, within the Cabinet Mountains of Sanders County, Montana.

A duotone mountain valley landscape with dense forest and a winding river, rendered in deep rose and pale cream tones, evoking a quiet protected wilderness

The Easement

57 Acres Secured from Development

The property, previously belonging to Ann Warrington of Spokane, Washington, sits in the incredibly scenic Bull River Valley. CFPOC, based in Sandpoint, Idaho, has closed a conservation easement on this land, ensuring it remains free from development permanently.

The parcel holds significant wildlife habitat and ecological value, serving as a travel corridor connecting the east and west sides of the Cabinet Mountains.

Conservation easements remain one of the most effective tools available for protecting working landscapes from the pressures of subdivision and sprawling development. By placing a permanent legal agreement on a property, landowners ensure that the land retains its open, natural, or agricultural character in perpetuity, even as ownership may change across generations. This voluntary approach allows families and individuals to continue living on and stewarding their land while guaranteeing that its scenic and ecological value endures. For communities, these agreements safeguard watersheds, wildlife corridors, and the rural character that defines a region, while for property owners they offer a meaningful way to invest in a lasting legacy that benefits both people and place far beyond their own lifetimes.

River valleys nestled within mountain ranges hold a special kind of importance for regional conservation efforts. The convergence of water, forest, and rugged terrain creates rich habitat for countless species, while the open meadows and shorelines along the water provide critical transition zones where ecosystems meet and interact. Protecting parcels in these settings helps maintain water quality, supports migration routes, and preserves the visual landscapes that draw visitors, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Beyond their ecological value, these valleys carry deep cultural significance for nearby communities, anchoring local identity and offering gathering places for recreation and reflection. Preserving such lands ensures that future generations inherit not only functioning natural systems but also the quiet beauty that defines a sense of home.

Community-based land trusts thrive on partnerships between dedicated staff, generous landowners, and engaged local supporters who share a common vision for the landscapes they love. Each successful conservation project represents countless hours of field assessment, legal review, fundraising, and careful collaboration with neighbors and partner organizations. Volunteers often play a central role in monitoring protected lands, leading educational walks, and advocating for thoughtful land-use policies. Together, these efforts weave a network of care that extends across entire watersheds and valleys, building resilience against the threats of fragmentation and climate change. Celebrating each newly protected property is a moment to recognize not only the land itself but also the shared commitment of a community determined to safeguard its natural heritage for the long term.

Habitat Supported

  • Moose
  • Waterfowl and birds
  • Threatened bull trout

The corridor links habitat across the Cabinet Mountains range, benefiting species that depend on connected, undisturbed terrain.

A duotone close view of wetland grasses and still water at dusk in muted rose and charcoal tones, quiet and still

Funding

Backed by a NAWCA Grant

The Bull River easement was made possible through a grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) of 1989, which supports wetland and associated habitat conservation across North America.

This funding, combined with CFPOC's work with private landowners, allowed the organization to secure lasting protection for the property without altering its private ownership.

Get in Touch

Questions About This Easement or Future Projects?

Reach the Clark Fork-Pend Oreille Conservancy at ndooley@cfpoconservancy.org, or visit our contact page for more ways to connect.

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