Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
Mountain-Prairie Region

The Valley Is Transformed

As missions, homesteads, and settlements became established, new land uses were introduced. The settlers harvested trees and grew crops such as corn, potatoes, and apples in the fertile valley soils. Livestock displaced elk and moose; wolves and grizzly bears were systematically removed. Food plants important to the Native Americans became scarce. As a result, traditional lifestyles were changed forever.

Last updated: November 7, 2012