Family Conserves Working Ag Land Near Malta
NRCS, the Montana Land Reliance, Ducks Unlimited, and the Bill Murdock family came together to protect 4,000 acres of waterfowl habitat and working agricultural lands along Cottonwood Creek north of Malta.
Photo and story courtesy of the Montana Land Reliance.
Some of the most important waterfowl habitat in Montana is located in Phillips County. Ducks, geese, and other migratory birds utilize the wetlands of eastern Montana during their annual flight. The Montana Land Reliance (MLR) is pleased to have partnered with the Bill Murdock family, Ducks Unlimited, and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to protect 4,000 acres of waterfowl habitat and working agricultural lands along Cottonwood Creek north of Malta.
The Murdock conservation easement, which closed in December 2021, marks the culmination of a multi-year collaborative effort. The easement places limits on future subdivision and development while allowing for continued use of the property for agriculture and ranching. Thanks to the efforts of the Murdock family, this critical area of habitat will remain available for wildlife and ranching in perpetuity. Funding for the easement was provided through Ducks Unlimited, the NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).
MLR is honored by the Murdock family’s decision to conserve their land, and grateful for the support of NRCS, Ducks Unlimited, and NFWF who made the conservation easement possible.