FWP completes 829-acre addition to Mount Haggin WMA

With help from several partners, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks this month completed the purchase of an 829-acre addition to Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area.

The new parcel, known as the Willow Creek addition, is about 4 miles south of Anaconda and shares 2.5 miles of boundary with the WMA. It contains winter range that mule deer and elk use heavily, as well as high-quality pronghorn fawning and summer range.

“We’re thrilled to see the Willow Creek addition be conserved with the rest of Mount Haggin WMA for the perpetual benefit of Montana’s wildlife, fisheries and outdoor enthusiasts,” said Vanna Boccadori, FWP’s Butte-area wildlife biologist. “We’re grateful to the conservation-minded landowners, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the many interested publics and organizations who have contributed to the success of this endeavor.”

FWP published a draft environmental assessment on the proposed purchase in early 2022 and solicited public comments, which showed broad support for the acquisition. The property was purchased this month using funds from Habitat Montana, Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Heart of the Rockies, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The selling landowners also donated significant improvements to the property.

The Willow Creek addition will be managed as part of Mount Haggin WMA. Because it is located on big game winter range, it will remain closed to all public access during the WMA’s seasonal closure that lasts until May 15.

FWP staff offer their sincere thanks to all involved, especially the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the previous landowners for their hard work and dedication to conserving this land in public ownership.