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August 23, 2010 Board of County Commissioners Missoula City Council Missoula County Courthouse 435 Ryman 200 West Broadway Missoula, MT 59802 Missoula, MT 59802 RE: Acquisition of Conservation Easement on Quebec Deschamps Creek Property Members of the Board of County Commissioners and City Council: The Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) respectfully recommends that the City of Missoula participate with Missoula County to acquire a conservation easement on the 1036 acre Quebec Deschamps Creek parcel. This parcel composed of approximately 1/3 forested lands and 2/3’s grasslands is located partially in the Missoula Planning Region and partially in the Frenchtown- Huson Planning Region. It is a standout visual feature, readily visible from many places in the Missoula Valley and from both Highway 93 and Interstate 90. It is both a visual and functional buffer between developed lands to the south, east and west and forested public lands to the north. The parcel will continue to be a functioning agricultural property contributing to the local economy and also provides diverse and intact habitat that supports a great variety of wildlife species including elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, black bear, coyotes, Swainson’s and Red-tailed hawks, long- eared owls and more. It is a mixture of riparian habitat, woody draws, forested hillsides, and outstanding native grasses and wildflowers. It includes the headwaters of Quebec Deschamps Creek that is a tributary to O’Keefe Creek which drains into the Clark Fork River. A great deal of conservation value is packed into this 1036 acre parcel. The owners of the property have expressed a willingness to provide access to the property for educational purposes, and the Committee sees this as an important continuing value to the people of Missoula. The stunning landscape and the richness of the diverse habitats and the associated wildlife resources will make this a marvelous “real life classroom” for educators and students alike. The Committee enthusiastically and unanimously recommends the expenditure of $175,000 of the 2006 Open Space Bond funds as the City’s share of the cost of this easement. Tim Aldrich Tim Aldrich Open Space Advisory Committee Chair