 The Rocky Mountain Front is a spectacular and expansive landscape at the juncture of
the Rocky Mountains to the western margin of the Northern Great Plains. In Montana, the
East Front encompasses an area from roughly just north of Helena, Montana, angling
northwest to the Canadian border. The abrupt change from rolling prairie to mountain
topography produces significant elevational and climactic gradients, creating a high level
of species and community diversity. The continental ice sheet reached just north of
Choteau, Montana, leaving many locally abundant prairie potholes. Much of the local
topography was affected by alpine glaciers. The exceptional habitat diversity is directly
linked to the dramatic transition from high elevation alpine tundra and montane forest, to
foothills and mid-grass prairie. These communities are connected by important riparian
corridors. Glaciated wetlands scattered across native grasslands adds to the habitat
diversity. The associated plant and animal diversity is unmatched.
The Rocky Mountain Front's native plant and animal
populations are generally intact due to sparse settlement and an economy based principally
on ranching. Economically viable ranching operations have been a key factor in maintaining
the Rocky Mountain Front’s fish and wildlife habitat. Tourism and recreation are growing in
economic importance to the area.
For More Information,
Contact:
Sue
McNeal
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
100 N. Park Suite 320
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 449-5225 ext. 209
Susan_McNeal@fws.gov
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