FWP seeking applicants for agricultural lease

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is requesting proposals from qualified applicants for an agricultural lease on approximately 100 acres at the Ray Kuhns Wildlife Management Area south of Whitefish.

The Ray Kuhns WMA, situated along Farm to Market Road, provides wildlife habitat, hunting opportunities and critical wintering range for big game, particularly white-tailed deer.

FWP’s management objectives for the area’s agricultural fields are to improve soil health, control noxious weeds, use/manage agricultural lands in a manner that benefits wildlife and protects water quality and provide public recreation opportunities including hunting.

FWP hopes to achieve these management objectives by partnering with a qualified applicant.

The lease term will be for five years, ending Sept. 30, 2025. The lessee will cultivate, plant and harvest agricultural crops such as wheat and other small grains while keeping up to 85% of crops for his/her own possession and use. FWP’s proportion (15% minimum) will be left standing in the field as lease payment to FWP.

The lease area includes two fields, both around 50 acres in size. The southern field was recently proved-up and planted to winter wheat in the fall of 2019; the northern field has been fallow for over a decade and is dominated by cool-season grasses.

Proposals are due Friday, March 26. Required qualifications, evaluation criteria and a description of services can be obtained by contacting Franz Ingelfinger at 406-751-4580, or by emailing fingelfinger@mt.gov.