Elk Foundation Opens Land Parcel to Public Access Near Missoula

A 40-acre parcel of Montana forestland is now open to public access after Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation donation. The RMEF donated the land to the U.S. Forest Service. Located about 10 miles north of Missoula, the Marent Gulch property was originally gifted to the Foundation in 1995. It now falls under the ownership of the Lolo National Forest, which already owns land on three sides of the parcel. It's located in forestland that includes forage and rugged hillsides. It provides habitat for various native Montana wildlife including wintering elk, mule deer, mountain lion, black bear, migrating or ranging grizzly bear and various other critters and songbirds. That's a busy 40 acres! The transaction also eliminates what was a potential trespassing issue. Eliminating "corner crossing" situations protects private land from trespass and enhances access to public lands. Visible from both the Missoula and Evaro valleys, sounds like a gorgeous piece of Montana you might want to put on your summer to do list. DB