When Doug and Carolyn Kohrs first visited Montana’s Flathead Valley from their home in Minnesota, they were drawn to the landscape along the Stillwater River. In 2005, they bought 20 acres beside the river, already believing that the land should remain protected. Over the next 17 years, the couple gradually assembled 655 acres of rich farmland, riparian forest and wildlife habitat. In 2022, they placed the entire property under a permanent conservation easement. The Flathead Land Trust reports that game cameras have documented grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, elk and deer using the land. The property also supports nearly 500 acres of farmland, protects 1.7 miles of riverfront forest and connects with thousands of additional acres of public and conserved land.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
