important bird areas
- IBA Program in Montana
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- Species of Special Concern
owen sowerwine natural area
Owen Sowerwine Natural Area is a designated Important Bird Area for the State of Montana. Montana Audubon has a license on this 442-acre parcel of school trust land located at the confluence of the Flathead and Stillwater Rivers. Cottonwood trees and other riparian vegetation dominate the parcel. It is the first—and only—state natural area designated on school trust land in Montana. Flathead Audubon and Montana Audubon fought a two-year battle with the state to be able to continue a license on this property.
Owen Sowerwine is a great place for birds. Located just outside the city limits of Kalispell, this designated Natural Area protects important riparian habitat. The water, black cottonwood forest, large birch trees, and tangle of understory make this area a magnet for wildlife. Bird surveys conducted by the Flathead Chapter have documented 51 species of likely breeders.
Montana Audubon has completed a Master Plan for the Owen Sowerwine IBA, the first site in our Important Bird Area system to receive a formal conservation plan. The State Land Board approved this plan in January 2003.
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Owen Sowerwine Master Plan:
The following files are in PDF format and require Adobe Reader.
- Owen Sowerwine Master Plan
- Appendix I: Owen Sowerwine Land Use License
- Appendix II: Maps of Owen Sowerwine Natural Area
Map 1. Location of Owen Sowerwine Natural Area
Map 2. Proposed Flathead Valley Land Conservation Projects Surrounding Owen Sowerwine
Map 3. Management Zones and Access Points of Owen Sowerwine Natural Area
Map 4. Vegetation Characteristics of Owen Sowerwine Natural Area
Map 5. Approximate Floodplain Location for Owen Sowerwine Natural Area
- Appendices III to VI:
Appendix III. Native Vegetation
Appendix IV. Noxious Weed List
Appendix V. Fish and Wildlife Species List
Appendix VI. Ecological Description of Owen Sowerwine and the Surrounding Area
- Appendices VII to VIII:
Appendix VII. Right-of-Way Deed for Power Line
Appendix VIII. Historical Information
For information contact: Janet Ellis, Program Director, at 406-443-3949 or jellis@mtaudubon.org
