Northern Rockies Ecoregion & Yaak Valley ECA

To understand current conservation conditions across the landscape, we used land management categories from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Gap Analysis Project (GAP), which ranks lands based on their level of protection:

• GAP 1 and 2 lands—such as Wilderness Areas, National Parks, and Wildlife Refuges—are considered well-protected and managed primarily for biodiversity.

• GAP 3 lands, including most national forests, allow multiple uses like logging, mining, or motorized recreation.

• GAP 4 lands have few or no protections and are often private or unclassified.

Most of the study area falls into GAP 3 and 4, meaning the majority of the land is open to development or has minimal conservation protections.

As part of this analysis, we included Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs)—large, undeveloped public lands that lack major roads, infrastructure, or development. We used the USDA Forest Service IRA dataset drawn from the national PAD-US database, including IRAs designated under both the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (applicable in states like Montana and Washington) and the 2008 Idaho Roadless Area Rule. While there are differences between these state-level rules, both types of IRAs share stronger protections than standard GAP 3 lands. They limit most forms of logging and road-building, helping maintain ecological integrity.

Because of these protections, we classified all IRAs in our study as GAP 2.5—a category between GAP 2 and GAP 3. When these IRAs are proposed for stronger protections (referred to as IRA+ in our analysis), they represent an opportunity to elevate land status closer to Wilderness-level protection.

IRAs serve as important strongholds for biodiversity and help maintain habitat for sensitive species like the grizzly bear, which need remote, undisturbed landscapes. Enhancing protections for these areas would also safeguard mature and old-growth forests, increase climate resilience, and support large-scale conservation goals like the 30×30 initiative—a global effort to protect 30% of Earth’s lands and waters by 2030, as a milestone toward safeguarding 50% by 2050.

Conifer Forests

We utilized data from LANDFIRE to analyze the existing vegetation types (EVT) within the NRE, revealing a diverse array of 61 distinct vegetation types (44 in the YVW) organized into 15 overarching ecological categories. The NRE and YVW are a mosaic of coniferous forests that vary in composition and structure, shaped by the region’s complex topography, climate, and elevation. Among these, dry-mesic and mesic mixed conifer forests are especially important for their ecological functions and biodiversity.

Dry-mesic conifer forests, found on lower to mid-elevation slopes, are moderately moist and dominated by fire-adapted species like ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and western larch.

The mid-elevations of the Northern Rockies also feature mesic mixed conifer forests, which occur in moist, shaded areas and are often dominated by Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), western red cedar (Thuja plicata), grand fir (Abies grandis), and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla).

These forests support a lush understory of huckleberry (Vaccinium spp.), vine maple (Acer circinatum), and ferns, creating rich habitat for black bears, elk, and migratory birds. Together, these forest types are integral to the region’s biodiversity, providing essential wildlife habitat while playing key roles in water regulation, carbon storage, and landscape resilience in the face of climate change. Just 1.4% of dry-mesic mixed conifer forests and 2.2% of mesic mixed conifer forests in the region are currently classified as protected, leaving the vast majority vulnerable to development, logging, and climate-related impacts.

Lodgepole Pine Forests

Although ponderosa pine covers a smaller portion of the NRE—just 6%—it also has very limited protection, with less than 2% currently safeguarded and a modest increase to 3% under the IRA+ scenario. Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) thrives in areas influenced by periodic wildfire and colder climates. These forests often establish after disturbances like fire, forming dense, even-aged stands that are crucial for species like snowshoe hares and lynx. Their tall, straight trunks and needle-like leaves make them highly adapted to the region’s often harsh winters. Lodgepole pines are also important to regional hydrology, with their roots stabilizing soils on steep slopes and along waterways.

Subalpine Forests and Spruce-Fir Ecosystems

At higher elevations, subalpine forests take over, characterized by Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa). These stands are adapted to colder temperatures, heavy snowfall, and shorter growing seasons. The canopy is dense, creating shaded understories where mosses, lichens, and shade-tolerant shrubs like grouse whortleberry (Vaccinium scoparium) thrive. These forests provide critical habitat for sensitive species, including the American marten and Clark’s nutcracker, which relies on high-elevation trees for food. In contrast, vegetation types found at higher elevations—such as subalpine forests (including spruce-fir, woodlands, and parklands) and areas with little to no vegetation like alpine zones and snow-covered landscapes—would see protection levels rise under the IRA+ scenario. Notably, subalpine spruce-fir, the fifth most widespread vegetation type in the NRE, is the only vegetation category projected to meet both conservation goals of 30 x 30 (30% protected by 2030) and 50 x 50 (50% by 2050) if IRA+ lands are accounted for, reaching 50% protected.

Mesic Mixed Conifer Forests

The mid-elevations of the Northern Rockies feature mesic mixed conifer forests, often dominated by Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), western red cedar (Thuja plicata), grand fir (Abies grandis), and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). These forests occur in moist, shaded areas and are rich in biodiversity. The understory is lush, with shrubs like huckleberry (Vaccinium spp.), vine maple (Acer circinatum), and various ferns thriving in the damp soil. These forests are vital for species such as black bears, elk, and numerous migratory birds, offering both shelter and abundant forage.

Riparian Zones and Vegetation

The riparian areas of the NRE—found along rivers, streams, and wetland margins—are biodiversity hotspots. These zones are dominated by moisture-loving species, including cottonwoods (Populus spp.), willows (Salix spp.), and alder (Alnus spp.). Conifers like western red cedar and spruce also thrive here, especially in wetter microclimates. Riparian areas support a wealth of wildlife, from moose and beavers to aquatic species like bull trout. The vegetation stabilizes streambanks, filters sediment, and provides shade, keeping water temperatures cool for fish and amphibians.

Ecological Significance

Together, these forest types form the backbone of the Northern Rockies’ ecosystems. They provide critical services, such as sequestering carbon, regulating water flow, and supporting complex food webs. The interdependence of vegetation and wildlife in the NRE underscores the importance of conserving these diverse and dynamic forest systems to ensure the region’s ecological resilience.

Yaak Valley, Anthony South, YVFC

Mature and old growth (MOG) forests are a subtype of the vegetation groups that have distinct ecological values nation-wide. For more information on MOG mapping, please watch MOG Presentation video and read our section on Regional Mature and Old-growth Forest (MOG) Maps for the Lower 48 States.

To guide conservation efforts in the Northern Rockies Ecoregion (NRE), we identified eight focal species that rely on critical habitats like mature and old-growth forests. Among them, avian species, including the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus), and Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa), are recognized as species of concern at the state or federal level. Together, these three birds depend on millions of hectares of forested habitat across the NRE—yet only a small portion is currently protected, with just 2–3% safeguarded region-wide and around 1% in the YVW area.

Since these species often use the same areas, conserving overlapping habitat could benefit all three at once. Proposed IRA+ protections would significantly increase coverage, raising protection to about 20% across the NRE and over 30% in the YVW, moving much closer to national conservation targets.

Northern Goshawk

Status and Distribution

The northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is a highly adaptable yet increasingly vulnerable raptor inhabiting boreal and temperate forests. In the Northern Rockies, goshawks are found in the dense coniferous forests of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, including the Yaak Valley. This region, known for its expansive old-growth forests, serves as a vital habitat for goshawks, offering nesting and foraging grounds. Despite their adaptability, northern goshawks are sensitive to habitat alterations, and populations are declining in areas subjected to intensive logging and fragmentation.

Connectivity between the Yaak Valley and other forested areas in the Northern Rockies and Canada is critical for maintaining genetic diversity. Isolated populations, such as those in fragmented habitats, face higher risks of inbreeding and local extirpation. Ensuring functional corridors allows for movement, mate selection, and resilience against environmental changes.

Ecology and Habitat

Northern goshawks require mature and old-growth forests for nesting and foraging. These forests, characterized by large trees, closed canopies, and dense understory vegetation, provide protection from predators and human disturbances. Goshawks are opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of small mammals and birds, including squirrels, snowshoe hares, grouse, and jays. Their hunting strategy relies on the structural complexity of mature forests, which facilitates stealth and ambush predation.

In the Yaak Valley, goshawks build nests in areas with a high density of Douglas fir, western larch, and Engelmann spruce. These forests also support prey populations, particularly in regions where understory vegetation remains intact. Logging and road construction disrupt this balance by reducing forest cover, increasing edge effects, and diminishing prey abundance.

Impacts of Climate Change and Wildfires

Climate change is altering the Northern Rockies’ ecosystems, directly impacting northern goshawks. Rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns are increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires, which can degrade the mature forests goshawks depend on. Large-scale fires that destroy canopy cover and understory vegetation reduce nesting opportunities and prey availability. While some low-intensity fires may enhance prey populations by stimulating early successional growth, frequent high-severity fires fragment habitats, making them less suitable for long-term goshawk populations.

Connectivity is further threatened by climate-induced habitat shifts. As tree species migrate to higher elevations or cooler regions, suitable nesting and foraging habitats for goshawks may become increasingly fragmented. Conservation efforts must focus on maintaining forested corridors to ensure goshawks can adapt to these changes by moving to suitable habitats.

Boreal Owl

Status and Distribution

The boreal owl (Aegolius funereus) is a small, nocturnal predator found in high-elevation forests of the Northern Rockies, including the Yaak Valley. These owls are closely tied to boreal and subalpine forests, relying on dense conifer stands for nesting and hunting. While not federally listed, boreal owls are considered a species of concern due to their sensitivity to habitat disturbance and changing climatic conditions.

The Yaak Valley’s proximity to Canadian boreal forests enhances its importance as a refuge for boreal owls. This connectivity supports genetic exchange and population resilience, particularly as climate change impacts their traditional habitats.

Ecology and Habitat

Boreal owls are cavity nesters, relying on mature and old-growth trees for nesting sites, often utilizing abandoned woodpecker holes. These forests also provide the dense canopy cover and structural complexity needed for hunting. Their primary diet consists of small mammals, such as voles, shrews, and mice, which are abundant in undisturbed forest floors with rich leaf litter and understory vegetation.

In the Yaak Valley, boreal owls thrive in forests dominated by Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir, particularly in areas with minimal human disturbance. However, logging and road construction reduce the availability of suitable nesting sites and prey-rich environments, making it difficult for boreal owls to sustain viable populations.

Impacts of Climate Change and Wildfires

Climate change is altering the snowpack and forest composition critical to boreal owls. Reduced snowpack affects the availability of small mammals, as prey populations rely on snow for insulation and protection during winter. Warmer temperatures also shift the range of tree species, potentially displacing the dense conifer forests boreal owls depend on.

Wildfires, particularly those of high severity, pose a significant threat to boreal owl habitats. While small-scale fires may stimulate prey populations by creating early successional habitats, intense fires destroy the mature trees necessary for nesting. The Yaak Valley’s fragmented landscape compounds these challenges, as owls are forced into increasingly isolated patches of suitable habitat. Ensuring the protection of intact forest stands and preserving connectivity between habitats is essential for the long-term survival of boreal owls.

Great Gray Owl

Status and Distribution

The great gray owl (Strix nebulosa), the largest owl in North America, is a species of deep ecological importance in the Northern Rockies. These owls inhabit subalpine and montane forests, often near open meadows or forest edges that support their unique hunting behavior. In the Yaak Valley, great gray owls benefit from a mix of dense old-growth forests and transitional habitats. While the species is not federally listed, it is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and low reproductive rates.

The Yaak Valley’s forests, coupled with open meadows and wetlands, provide essential nesting and hunting grounds for great gray owls. Connectivity with similar habitats in Canada ensures genetic flow and supports population stability, particularly as environmental pressures intensify.

Ecology and Habitat

Great gray owls rely on structurally diverse habitats that include dense forests for nesting and open areas for hunting. Unlike most owls, great gray owls hunt primarily by sound, using their exceptional hearing to detect prey beneath snow. Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, such as voles and pocket gophers, which they capture by plunging through snow.

In the Yaak Valley, great gray owls often nest in large snags or abandoned raptor nests. Transitional habitats, such as forest-meadow edges, are critical for hunting, as they provide the structural diversity needed for prey abundance. Logging and road construction that reduce these habitats threaten the availability of both nesting and foraging opportunities.

Impacts of Climate Change and Wildfires

Climate change is significantly impacting great gray owls by altering snowpack, which is crucial for their hunting success. Reduced snow cover decreases the availability of prey, as small mammals become more exposed to predation and harsh weather. Additionally, shifting tree species and forest composition disrupt nesting and roosting habitats.

Wildfires, especially those of high severity, can destroy the large snags and forest edges that great gray owls depend on. In the Yaak Valley, where suitable habitats are already fragmented, these disturbances exacerbate habitat isolation and reduce prey availability. Maintaining intact forests and ensuring the preservation of diverse habitats are critical for supporting great gray owl populations.

Connectivity and Conservation

Connectivity is essential for northern goshawks, boreal owls, and great gray owls to adapt to the cascading effects of climate change, wildfires, and habitat fragmentation. The Yaak Valley, situated near the Canadian border, serves as a vital link between U.S. and Canadian populations, enabling genetic flow and supporting species resilience. Protecting wildlife corridors that connect fragmented habitats is critical for maintaining population stability and preventing local extinctions.

Conservation strategies must prioritize the protection of old-growth forests, as these ecosystems provide the nesting, roosting, and hunting habitats essential for these raptors and owls. Reducing logging and road construction, restoring degraded habitats, and engaging local communities in conservation efforts are all integral to preserving these species. Collaborative cross-border initiatives, such as the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, can further enhance habitat connectivity and ensure the long-term viability of these iconic birds.

Conclusion

The northern goshawk, boreal owl, and great gray owl are keystone species within the Northern Rockies, each playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Their survival depends on the preservation of mature and old-growth forests, effective management of climate and wildfire impacts, and the maintenance of habitat connectivity. By integrating scientific research, community engagement, and cross-border collaboration, we can secure a future where these species continue to thrive in the diverse and dynamic landscapes of the Northern Rockies.

The Pacific fisher (Pekania pennanti) and American marten (Martes americana) are two vital mammal species that inhabit the Northern Rocky Ecoregion, particularly the Yaak Valley. Both are members of the weasel family and solitary predators that help regulate prey populations and support forest biodiversity. While they share much of the same forest habitat, martens have a broader range—occupying over 800,000 additional hectares not used by fishers. Despite their reliance on intact forests, only about 3% of suitable habitat for either species is currently protected. Adding IRA lands would increase that to approximately 30%—a significant improvement, though still short of the 50% needed to meet conservation goals.

Pacific Fisher (Pekania pennanti)

The Pacific fisher is typically found in mature coniferous forests, where it requires extensive tree cover for hunting, denning, and protection from predators. This solitary carnivore primarily preys on small mammals, including squirrels and snowshoe hares, and is known for its agility and ability to navigate through complex forest structures. Fishers are also important for controlling populations of rodents and other small prey species.

Population declines in Pacific fishers have been linked to habitat loss due to logging, urban development, and wildfires. Additionally, fragmentation of forest habitats can isolate populations, reduce genetic diversity, and increase vulnerability to predation. Climate change also poses a threat by altering habitat conditions and prey availability.

Conservation efforts for Pacific fishers focus on protecting and restoring their forest habitats, emphasizing the need for large, contiguous areas of mature forest. Conservation efforts focus on protecting large, contiguous forest areas and promoting habitat connectivity. Monitoring programs are essential for tracking population trends and guiding management strategies.

Marten (Martes americana)

The American marten inhabits coniferous and mixed-wood forests and is an agile climber that hunts in trees for small mammals, birds, and insects. As a species sensitive to habitat change, its presence signals a healthy, functioning forest ecosystem.

Martens face similar threats as fishers—habitat loss from logging and land conversion, fragmentation, and climate change. They require connected, mature forests with a diverse prey base and adequate denning sites.

Interconnectedness of Species and Their Habitats

The Pacific fisher and American marten are deeply tied to the forest ecosystems of the Northern Rockies. Their survival depends on healthy, connected habitats that provide critical resources for hunting, denning, and foraging. Conserving these forests not only benefits both species but also strengthens ecosystem integrity for a wide range of wildlife. As mid-sized carnivores, fishers and martens are important ecological contributors whose protection supports broader biodiversity and long-term forest resilience.

Status and Distribution

Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) are elusive, specialized predators native to the boreal forests of North America. In the Northern Rockies Ecoregion, lynx inhabit high-elevation forests across Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Listed as “threatened” under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Canada lynx face numerous challenges, including habitat loss, climate change, and reduced connectivity.

The Yaak Valley in northwest Montana is a critical habitat for lynx due to its dense forests and proximity to Canadian populations, which offer vital genetic exchange. However, lynx in this region remain sparse and fragmented. Connectivity with Canadian populations is essential for maintaining genetic diversity and long-term viability. Conservationists stress the need to protect and restore cross-border corridors that allow lynx to move through the landscape.

Ecology and Habitat

Canada lynx are adapted to cold, snowy environments and depend on boreal and subalpine forests dominated by spruce, fir, and lodgepole pine. Their primary prey, the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), shapes lynx distribution and abundance. This tight predator-prey relationship highlights the importance of maintaining dense understory vegetation, which supports snowshoe hare populations.

In the Yaak Valley, lynx favor forests with multi-layered canopies and horizontal cover that provide shelter and hunting grounds. Deep, consistent snowpack gives lynx a mobility advantage over other predators. However, fragmentation from logging and road construction degrades these habitats and poses a barrier to lynx movement. Old-growth and mature forests are especially important, offering stable microclimates, dense cover, and a reliable prey base.

Threats to Canada Lynx

Lynx face a variety of threats that jeopardize their survival in the Northern Rockies. Habitat loss and fragmentation from logging, roads, and development reduce habitat quality and disrupt movement patterns. Road networks also expose lynx to vehicle collisions, a leading cause of mortality in fragmented populations.

Climate change compounds these threats by reducing snowpack, weakening the lynx’s advantage in deep snow. As snow conditions deteriorate, bobcats (Lynx rufus), which are less snow-adapted, are expanding into lynx habitat, increasing interspecies competition. Additionally, high-severity wildfires—exacerbated by climate change—can eliminate the canopy cover and understory vegetation essential for snowshoe hares, reducing the prey base for lynx.

Poaching and incidental trapping continue to pose direct risks, despite legal protections. A comprehensive conservation approach is needed to address these interconnected threats.

Response to Wildfires

Wildfires are a natural component of the Northern Rockies ecosystem, but their increasing intensity and frequency due to climate change challenge lynx survival. While low- to moderate-severity fires can benefit habitat by creating early successional vegetation that supports snowshoe hares, high-severity fires can destroy the structural complexity lynx require.

Post-fire regeneration, particularly in the Yaak Valley, is crucial. Early successional forests with dense shrubs can provide temporary foraging grounds, but frequent or intense fires delay forest recovery and degrade long-term habitat suitability. Managing wildfire risk by protecting intact forests and allowing natural recovery processes is essential.

Impact of Climate Change

Climate change presents a multifaceted threat to Canada lynx in the Northern Rockies. Rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns reduce snowpack duration and depth, limiting the lynx’s competitive edge over bobcats. Changes in forest composition at lower elevations and increased drought stress alter habitat structure and prey dynamics.

High-elevation refugia, where cooler temperatures and persistent snow remain, are increasingly important for lynx survival. Conservation strategies should prioritize protecting these areas to ensure access to suitable habitats under future climate scenarios.

Habitat Connectivity

Connectivity is critical for maintaining viable lynx populations. Isolated groups, such as those in the Yaak Valley, are vulnerable to inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. Maintaining cross-border corridors with Canadian populations is essential.

Efforts to enhance connectivity include protecting key wildlife corridors and mitigating barriers like roads and development. In the Yaak Valley, this includes identifying movement pathways, reducing road densities, and implementing wildlife crossings. Collaborative initiatives such as the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) exemplify cross-border conservation approaches that benefit lynx and many other species.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation strategies for Canada lynx focus on habitat protection, restoration, and reducing human-wildlife conflict. Protecting old-growth forests and limiting logging in critical habitats are top priorities. Organizations like the Yaak Valley Forest Council advocate for forest conservation through policy, restoration projects, and community engagement.

Monitoring programs using camera traps and genetic sampling are vital for understanding lynx distribution and informing management. Incorporating traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) through partnerships with Indigenous communities can further strengthen conservation efforts by integrating longstanding stewardship practices.

Importance of Forests

The forests of the Northern Rockies are not only critical habitats for Canada lynx but also provide numerous ecosystem services that benefit both wildlife and human communities. Old-growth forests play a particularly important role, offering stable microclimates, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity hotspots. For lynx, the preservation of these forests is directly tied to their survival, as they depend on the structural complexity and prey abundance found in intact ecosystems.

Protecting these forests requires a comprehensive approach that addresses threats such as logging, wildfire, and climate change. Research into forest dynamics and habitat requirements for lynx is essential for guiding adaptive management practices that ensure the long-term sustainability of these ecosystems. Efforts by organizations like the Yaak Valley Forest Council underscore the importance of grassroots conservation initiatives in safeguarding these irreplaceable landscapes.

Status and Distribution

Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) are a keystone species in the Northern Rockies Ecoregion (NRE), which spans parts of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. These apex predators help regulate ecosystems by influencing prey populations and contributing to vegetation dynamics through seed dispersal. Though protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and experiencing recovery in some areas, grizzlies remain listed as “threatened” in the lower 48 states.

The Northern Rockies’ grizzly population is divided among several recovery zones, including the Greater Yellowstone, Northern Continental Divide, Cabinet-Yaak, and Selkirk ecosystems. The Yaak Valley, located in northwestern Montana within the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem, harbors one of the smallest and most vulnerable subpopulations—estimated at only 20 to 30 bears. Genetic isolation and limited gene flow increase the risk of inbreeding, reducing the population’s long-term viability. The Yaak Valley also serves as a critical transboundary corridor linking bears in the U.S. to more stable populations in Canada, making it a high priority for conservation efforts.

Grizzly Bear, photo by Xenia Headley

Ecology and Habitat

Grizzlies are highly adaptable, occupying diverse habitats ranging from lowland riparian zones to alpine meadows. In the Yaak Valley, they rely on mixed conifer forests dominated by Douglas fir, western red cedar, and lodgepole pine. These forests, particularly those with old-growth structure, provide essential cover, denning sites, and foraging opportunities throughout the year.

Grizzlies emerge from hibernation in spring and depend on early-sprouting vegetation and winter-killed carrion to replenish fat reserves. In summer, their diet shifts to include protein-rich insects, and by late summer and fall, high-calorie berries—especially huckleberries, which can make up to 50% of their diet. These berries thrive in moist, shaded slopes, making microhabitat protection critical to grizzly nutrition and reproductive success.

Response to Wildfires

Wildfires are a natural part of the NRE landscape and can benefit grizzlies by increasing the availability of berry-producing shrubs. Moderate-intensity fires often stimulate regrowth that supports prey and foraging needs. However, high-severity fires—exacerbated by climate change and past fire suppression—can destroy forest cover, erode soils, and fragment critical habitat.

In the Yaak Valley, where suitable habitat is already limited, such disturbances can push bears into human-dominated areas, increasing conflict risks. While grizzlies are known to shift their ranges to exploit post-fire foraging opportunities, maintaining a mosaic of intact and regenerating forest is essential for long-term habitat resilience.

Impact of Climate Change

Climate change amplifies existing threats to grizzly bears in the Northern Rockies. Earlier snowmelt and warming temperatures are shifting the timing of key food resources like huckleberries, potentially misaligning peak nutritional needs with availability. In parts of the NRE, the decline of whitebark pine—due to disease, beetles, and warming—further strains food sources.

In the Yaak Valley, climate-driven changes are most apparent through increased wildfire frequency, shrinking snowpack, and hydrological shifts. Reduced summer streamflows and rising water temperatures affect riparian ecosystems and vegetation communities that bears rely on during spring foraging. Protecting high-elevation and climate-resilient habitats is essential to buffer these impacts.

Habitat Connectivity

Connectivity is central to the conservation of grizzly bears, especially in fragmented areas like the Yaak Valley. Genetic studies have shown that isolated populations are more prone to inbreeding and genetic drift. Linking habitats across the U.S.-Canada border is critical to maintaining genetic diversity and population stability.

Conservation efforts focus on identifying and protecting wildlife corridors, reducing road densities, and mitigating barriers such as development. Road networks, in particular, fragment habitat and increase the risk of human-bear conflict. Conservation easements, land acquisition, and infrastructure like wildlife crossings help maintain permeability across the landscape.

Initiatives like the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) exemplify cross-border efforts that prioritize connectivity, ensuring that grizzlies can move freely across large landscapes and adapt to environmental changes.

Conservation Efforts

Effective grizzly bear conservation in the Northern Rockies combines habitat protection, population monitoring, and conflict mitigation. In the Yaak Valley, translocation of bears from healthier populations has been used to boost genetic diversity. Non-invasive monitoring methods, such as camera traps and genetic sampling, provide critical data on movement, reproduction, and mortality.

Reducing human-bear conflict remains a key focus. Bear-proof containers, electric fencing, and public education campaigns have proven successful in minimizing attractants and promoting coexistence. Local organizations, including the Yaak Valley Forest Council, play a major role in community engagement, forest advocacy, and policy work aimed at preserving old-growth ecosystems.

Policy protections under the Endangered Species Act remain vital. Premature delisting could jeopardize progress by allowing increased hunting and reducing resources for habitat conservation. Incorporating traditional ecological knowledge through tribal partnerships can further strengthen management strategies and foster stewardship rooted in cultural respect.

Importance of Forests

The forests of the Northern Rockies are foundational to grizzly bear survival and broader ecosystem health. Old-growth and mature forests regulate hydrology, store carbon, and support biodiversity. Their structural complexity provides microclimates, food resources, and shelter for a range of species, including grizzlies.

Protecting these forests demands a multi-pronged strategy: resisting extractive pressures, managing fire regimes, and restoring degraded landscapes. Climate-informed research and grassroots conservation efforts are essential to ensure these ecosystems remain resilient in a rapidly changing environment.

As communities across the West face growing wildfire risks, it’s important to understand how forest management strategies align with protecting both homes and ecosystems. In the Northern Rockies Ecoregion (NRE), the US Forest Service is the dominant land manager, and many residential areas are located within or near national forests. With strong congressional support, federal wildfire funding is largely intended to reduce fire risk in the wildland-urban interface (WUI)—areas where people and forests meet.

To evaluate how effectively treatments are targeting the WUI, we analyzed fuel reduction efforts across the NRE using data from the Forest Service’s FACTS database. We focused on treatments such as prescribed burning, thinning, and mastication, and cross-referenced them with housing data from Microsoft’s U.S. Building Footprints and national WUI classifications to determine proximity to communities.

Our findings reveal a consistent mismatch between management goals and implementation. More than 80% of fuel treatments in the NRE are located over one kilometer from the nearest structure, and nearly three-quarters of thinning projects occur beyond the WUI—despite being justified as tools for community protection.

These trends mirror patterns seen in other regions, such as the Mogollon Highlands and the Southern Rockies, where treatments often occur in remote areas. While there are valid ecological reasons for managing fuels outside the WUI—such as restoring forest structure or protecting watersheds—the consistent distance from communities raises questions about how wildfire policy and funding are being applied.

While the Forest Service plays a central role in wildfire management, much of the current treatment footprint in the NRE remains distant from the communities it’s intended to protect.

Our vision for the Northern Rockies Ecoregion and the Yaak Valley Watershed Subregion is to SAFEGUARD AND STRENGTHEN CLIMATE REFUGIA by centering protection on mature and old growth forests, roadless areas, and intact watersheds that offer resilience in a rapidly warming world. We envision a future where ecological integrity drives land management, where federal forest planning recognizes the long-term value of slow-adapting species and carbon-rich habitats, and where fuel reduction strategies prioritize COMMUNITY SAFETY by focusing on treatments from the home-out—not deep within wildlands. The Yaak Valley, as one of the last and most intact temperate ecosystems in the Lower 48, offers an unparalleled opportunity to sustain biodiversity, connect species across landscapes, and protect cooler, moister forests that are likely to persist under future climate scenarios. This path forward calls for a bold shift—FROM BROAD-SCALE EXTRACTION TO PLACE-BASED STEWARDSHIP rooted in science, cultural respect, and climate reality.

🎥 VIDEOS & DOCUMENTARIES

• Black Ram Documentary (8:46, Vimeo)
  A powerful short film showing the ancient forest at risk from the proposed Black Ram timber sale in Montana’s Yaak Valley.

• RA Beattie – Black Ram Trailer
  A cinematic preview of an upcoming documentary capturing the ecological and emotional essence of Black Ram.

• Ben Weaver – Black Ram Short Film
  A poetic and music-infused tribute to the forest and the movement to protect it.

• 60-Second Video by Kier Atherton
  A short and striking visual message advocating for Black Ram’s protection.

• PechaKucha Presentation on Black Ram
  A fast-paced, visual storytelling presentation introducing the threats to Black Ram and the people speaking up for it.

📰 ARTICLES & ESSAYS

• The New Yorker – Bill McKibben
  McKibben highlights Black Ram as a case study in federal climate and forest policy.

• The Land Desk – Timber Greed
  A critical look at the political and economic forces driving the proposed logging project.

• Big Sky Journal – Unit 72 Feature
  A field-based reflection on what could be lost if Black Ram is logged.

• Big Sky Journal – The Sound of an Old Forest
  A beautifully written piece exploring the sensory and ecological richness of Black Ram.

• Scientific American – Climate Refuge Story
  An exploration of Black Ram as a potential climate refugium in a warming world.

• Forest News – “The Song of the World”
  A lyrical article connecting forest advocacy, music, and the spirit of Black Ram.

• Missoulian – International Day of Forests Op-Ed
  A community call to honor and protect old-growth forests like Black Ram.

• Orion – “From the Oldest Forest in Montana” (Rick Bass)
  Bass reflects on deep time, loss, and love for one of Montana’s last old-growth stands.

• Outside – Yaak Valley & Old Growth
  A feature story about the ecological and emotional stakes of Black Ram’s fate.

📚 POETRY & CULTURE

• Ada Limón – “The Origin Revisited” (The Atlantic)
  A moving poem about roots, legacy, and the fragility of what we inherit.

• Beth Ann Fennelly – “The Future Logs of Unit 72”
  A powerful poetic response to the proposed logging of a cherished old-growth forest.

🎤 WEBINARS & EVENTS

• Old Growth Celebration – Macfarlane, Kimmerer, Haskell
  A live discussion honoring old-growth forests and uplifting Black Ram as an example of what communities can protect.

• Black Ram Celebration & Concert
  A virtual gathering of music, art, and activism in celebration of Black Ram and other threatened old forests.

• John Freeman & the Ancient Spruce Guitar (LAPL)
  A conversation about art, legacy, and a guitar made from the edge of Black Ram’s ancient forest.

🧾 FACT SHEETS & CAMPAIGNS

• Stop Black Ram – Yaak Valley Forest Council
  A fact sheet and action resource opposing the 57 million board foot timber sale in the Yaak Valley.

• Center for Biological Diversity – Climate Forests Blog
  Blog coverage and campaign info focused on protecting climate-critical old forests like Black Ram.

📘 LITERARY PUBLICATIONS

• Massachusetts Review – “Beneath the Overstory”
  A featured essay in the Climate Issue exploring Black Ram through literary and ecological lenses.

• Orion – Black Ram Cover Story (Dec 2021)
  A compelling issue dedicated to the living spirit of Earth, with a cover photo from Black Ram.

• Freeman’s Biannual – “Change” Issue
  Includes reflections on art, resistance, and a guitar made from ancient spruce at Black Ram’s edge.