Deal aims to protect city water supply

More than 3,000 acres of working forestland in Haskill Basin that is the source for most of Whitefish’s water supply could be permanently protected though a proposed deal between The Trust for Public Land and F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company.

The Trust for Public Land has secured an option to purchase the development rights from Stoltze through the end of 2015. Thus guaranteeing that the land would be protected for water, wildlife and recreation, while still allowing sustainable forest management activities on the property.

The plan, announced last week, depends on funding. The trust expects to raise money from both public and private sources.

“This project has it all,” said Alex Diekmann, the trust’s project manager. “Not only do we have an opportunity to protect an incredibly scenic area, wildlife, timber and public access values, but we also have the ability to protect the city of Whitefish’s main water supply. I can’t think of a better win-win situation for everyone involved.”

The Stoltze land is located next to Whitefish Mountain Resort and the Iron Horse development, and is considered valuable for potential future development.

The area includes the Haskill Basin drainage which provides 75 percent of Whitefish’s municipal water supply.

Mayor John Muhlfeld said he supports the project.

“This agreement will guarantee perpetual public access for a wide range of recreational opportunities and ensure that our municipal water supply is forever protected from development,” Muhlfeld said. “I can’t think of a better legacy to leave for our community.”

Chuck Roady, Stoltze’s general manager, said the deal has been a long time in coming.

“Stoltze has held a lot of land for a lot of years,” he said. “We wanted to find a way for us to still own the land and continue to manage the forest, while protecting the water supply for the city and still keeping it open to the public.”

The conservation easement would be conveyed to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for long-term monitoring and enforcement.

Roady said some details of the plan need to be worked out, such as the final appraisal of the land.

“We are extremely pleased that we finally have an opportunity to put together a plan that will protect the city’s drinking water supply and allow us to continue supporting the local economy through our sustainable forest management operations,” he said. “Finding a mutually agreeable solution that supports our business and our dedicated employees but also provides long-term wildlife, public access and watershed protection benefits has been a priority for the Stoltze family and our management team for many years.”

Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester also gave praise for the deal.

“Promoting our outdoor heritage supports jobs and ensures that our kids and grandkids can enjoy the places that make our state so special,” Baucus said. “This project will protect our outdoor heritage, support timber access and protect the water supply families and businesses rely on in Whitefish.”

“Passing on Montana’s outdoor traditions to future generations depends on preserving our treasured lands while maintaining public access,” Tester said. “F.H. Stoltze is a leader in smart resource management, and this partnership will make sure that Montanans can enjoy an important part of the Flathead for years to come.”

The nonprofit Trust for Public Lands was founded in 1972 and has protected more than 3 million acres and helped generate more than $34 billion in public funds for conservation efforts.

Situated between Whitefish and Columbia Falls, Stoltze is Montana’s oldest family-owned logging company. Its origins began when F.H. Stoltze contracted with the Great Northern Railway in the early 1900s to provide supplies for the railway’s expansion.