LAKEVIEW - Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge near the Montana-Idaho border is drawing recognition for what it lacks: subdivision of the surrounding area.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association put the southwestern Montana refuge on a list of six nationwide that have fended off what the association considers threats.
Protection of some of Red Rock Lakes' surrounding area through conservation easements landed the refuge on the list.
"Animals can't recognize lines on a map, so they'll occasionally wander into areas immediately surrounding national wildlife refuges," said Evan Hirsche, president of the association.
"We need to work more closely with landowners within refuge buffer zones to ensure their lands remain vibrant wildlife habitats."
Centennial Valley, in which the Red Rock Lakes refuge nestles, is isolated and its winters are harsh, two possible restraints on development.
Still, the Henry's Lake area between the refuge and Yellowstone National Park is being developed "at a stunning rate" and the potential for development closer to the refuge has been a concern, Hirsche said.
Conservation easements have provided a shield, he said.
They create a barrier to development and may provide tax advantages for property owners.
Other refuges recognized by the association are the Sacramento complex in California, the Minnesota Valley refuge, Lake Umbagog in New Hampshire and Maine, Tensas River in Louisiana, and Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas.
Published on Thursday, August 11, 2005. Last modified on 8/11/2005 at 12:05 am
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