Missoula County to spend up to $250,000 from open‑space bond to buy 242 acres in Bonner

Missoula County commissioners approved a resolution Jan. 30 authorizing the use of up to $250,000 in 2018 open‑space bond proceeds to help acquire about 241–242 acres of the Bonner Level property.

Ben Haran, associate director at the land trust, told the board the parcel was listed at $1.2 million and the buyer and seller negotiated a contract price of $1.04 million. "We landed on a contract price of 1.04 million," Haran said. He described the property as a strategic conservation linkage that provides public access to adjacent conserved lands and includes an I‑90 underpass that facilitates safe wildlife movement.

Haran said the project team had assembled multiple funding sources, including $1 million from the Yellowstone to Yukon partnership and the county request of $250,000 toward a $1.375 million total budget covering acquisition, transaction and stewardship costs. "This is a project that was made possible…by funding support from two major funders," he said.

OLC Chair Sarah Holden told commissioners the Open Land Citizen Advisory Committee recommended the purchase, citing habitat value, scenic views, improved public access and a reduced wildfire hazard compared with potential subdivision and development on the site.

A county staff member confirmed the seller is the Level family and said the appraisal came in close to the contract price. After discussion about vehicle and trail access, the board moved and approved the resolution by voice vote; individual roll-call tallies were not provided in the transcript.

Next steps described by staff include finalizing closing as funding is secured and developing a stewardship and management plan for the property.