Peak to be named for late conservationist

Montana’s congressional delegation is looking to honor the late conservationist Alex Diekmann by naming an unnamed mountain peak in his honor. Diekmann was instrumental working to preserve thousands of acres in the state along with the protection of Haskill Basin north of Whitefish.

U.S. Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke announced a bill last week that will name a 9,765-foot peak as “Alex Diekmann Peak.” It is located 2.2 miles west-northwest of Finger Mountain on the western boundary of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness.

Diekmann worked as a senior project manager for the Trust for Public Land. He worked on more than 55 projects and help preserve more than 100,000 acres during his time with TPL. The 52-year-old died of cancer earlier this year.

He orchestrated the deal to complete the Haskill Basin conservation easement, which preserves about 3,000 acres of forestland. Five years in the making, the easement to keep future development out of Whitefish’s main watershed became official this spring after it was finalized by The Trust for Public Land, the city of Whitefish, F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co., and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.

Chuck Roady, vice president and general manager of F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co. and chairman of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, praised Diekmann in a prepared release.

“As an operator of one of Montana’s remaining lumber mills and an avid sportsman I knew firsthand Alex’s commitment to Montana’s local communities and our outdoor way of life in Montana,” Roady said. “Because of Alex’s efforts, Stoltze Land & Lumber was able continue managing our forest lands in Haskill Basin as a working forest and sportsmen throughout our state have gained permanent public access to our lands. I am honored to support Sen. Daines, Sen. Tester, and Rep. Zinke in their efforts to designate Alex Diekmann peak.”

Diekmann worked for 16 years to protect the Madison and Greater Yellowstone Area. In a release, the congressional delegation praised Diekmann.

“As someone who went from kindergarten through college in Bozeman, I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Alex’s life and memory than by naming a peak in his honor,” Daines stated. “Many Montanans remember Alex for his hard work in conservation, working with Montana landowners and federal and state partners alike to protect Montana’s way of life and our state’s abundant wildlife for the enjoyment of future generations to come.”

“It’s incredibly fitting to name a wild Montana peak after Alex,” said Tester. “This bill will honor his life as a true conservationist and remember his work keeping Montana the Last Best Place.”

“I’m happy to introduce this bill on behalf of the people of Bozeman and Montana,” said Zinke. “Alex Deikmann was an avid outdoorsman and a well-respected conservationist. His legacy will be remembered in perpetuity.”

The delegation’s bill is supported by the city of Whitefish, several conservation organizations and the Gallatin County Commission.