A Montana family has permanently protected 57 acres of riverfront land along the Stillwater River after years of documenting the wildlife that moves through the property. The conservation effort was reported by the Flathead Beacon and Whitefish Pilot, while the Flathead Land Trust confirmed details of the newly established conservation easement. Sean and Melodye Rooney purchased the land with Sean’s parents in 2003 and eventually became its sole owners. Located west of Whitefish, the property stretches along nearly a mile of the Stillwater River and is now protected under a conservation easement held by Flathead Land Trust. The agreement permanently prevents subdivision and development while allowing the Rooneys to continue living on and using the property. More than 20 acres remain in hay production, while the rest includes riparian forest, shrubland and wetlands.
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