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Missoula council approves donated Grass Valley conservation easement, authorizes $26,050 for closing costs
Summary
The council unanimously approved a donated conservation easement on roughly 287 acres in Grass Valley and authorized up to $26,050 from the 2006 open‑space bond to reimburse transaction costs, citing wildlife habitat, irrigated farmland and permanent protection of views and riparian areas.
The Missoula City Council on Dec. 16 unanimously approved a resolution to reimburse up to $26,050 from remaining 2006 open‑space bond funds to cover transaction and due‑diligence costs for a donated conservation easement in the Grass Valley area west of Missoula.
Zack Covington, Open Space Program Manager for the City of Missoula Parks and Recreation, and Derek Goble of 5 Valleys Land Trust described the proposal as a fully donated permanent easement protecting four contiguous tax parcels totaling about 287 acres of agricultural land, wetlands and riparian habitat. Goble said the easement’s estimated market value is about $700,000 and that the city was being asked to contribute only transaction costs; “we are seeking reimbursement for up to $26,050 from the 2006 open space bond to help cover the transaction costs associated with the project,” he said.
Nut graf: Councilors stressed the habitat and agricultural benefits of protecting the parcel and weighed public‑access tradeoffs before voting. Supporters — including local Audubon members and birding volunteers — told the council the property is important for wintering raptors and migratory birds and that the landowner’s donation presents a rare opportunity for long‑term conservation.
Public speakers emphasized the site’s ecological features. Jim Brown of 5 Valleys Audubon said the property’s upwelling groundwater creates cattail marsh and open water that support wintering waterfowl and migratory stopover habitat for songbirds. Phil Gardner and other residents cited recent bird surveys and the area’s designation inside a recognized Important Bird Area.
In debate, councilors acknowledged questions about whether the property would be formally opened for broad public access; staff and 5 Valleys said there is no formal public‑access grant associated with the easement, though the landowner has welcomed organized visits for birding and stewardship. Councilor Campbell said the protection of fragile riparian wetlands weighed heavily in his support.
The council then adopted the resolution on a roll‑call vote; the mayor stated the motion passed unanimously. The city’s contribution will come from the remaining funds in the 2006 open‑space bond account and is limited to the $26,050 transaction reimbursement specified in the motion. Additional stewardship or public‑access arrangements were not adopted as part of the motion.
