Protected since the mid 90's, this mountainside acreage sits atop Pattee Canyon, overlooking the lights of Missoula, Montana as well as the Bitterroot Mountains beyond. About 8 miles from the edge of this fast growing mountain town, the land is highly sought after by developers. The terrain is quite varied, with some steeper slopes, some gently sloping meadows, and a dramatic draw.
Prior to our acquisition, the land had undergone various episodes of logging over the past 50 years, and is currently working its way back to health. The young lodgepole pine forest that is now 10-25 years old, is constantly being thinned and improved, allowing the largest and most perfect tree specimens to mature. This process will take an additional 25 years, at which time, the forest will effectively be able to care for itself.
Slowly, over time, the native Ponderosa Pines, which used to inhabit the slopes, will start to take over again. Estimated time of true forest maturation? Maybe 200-250 years! In the meantime, the hilltop and the adjacent draw are home to a family of elk, spending time year-round, in safety, on the property. Eagles and other predatory birds are commonly sighted, as are other native species. Further, the adjacent lands to the north and east are all owned by the lumber companies or are State Lands, so the parcel is indeed part of the larger ecosystem.