U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 

BENTON LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
922 Bootlegger Trail, Great Falls, MT, 59404

MEDIA ADVISORY

December 8, 2004

Contact:  Gary Sullivan, (406) 727-7400, ext. 25
                 Dave Gillund, (406) 727-7400, ext. 22

 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TO HOST OPEN HOUSE MEETINGS FOR PROPOSED CONSERVATION EASEMENT
 PROGRAM ALONG ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT 

WHAT: 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hold a series of open house meetings during the third week of December to discuss a proposal to expand the Service’s conservation easement program along the Rocky Mountain Front.  The meetings will give the public the opportunity to learn more about the Service’s proposal to purchase conservation easements from willing sellers along the Front whose lands provide important habitat for fish and wildlife resources.  The proposed expansion of the program would not authorize any fee title acquisition or outright purchase of private land. 

WHO: 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field and Regional Office staff responsible for planning, implementing, and managing the proposed program will be available to share information, answer questions and take public comments about the program. 

WHEN/WHERE:

• Tuesday, December 14, in Augusta, Montana, at the Augusta Community Center, 314 Main Street, from 4 pm to 7 pm.
• Wednesday, December 15, in Choteau, Montana, at the Stage Stop Inn, 1005 Main Avenue North, from 4 pm to 7 pm.
• Thursday, December 16, in Great Falls, Montana at the La Quinta Inn, 600 River Drive South, from 4 pm to 7 pm.