The National Park Service has acquired the second largest privately owned property remaining in Glacier National Park, the park service announced Monday.
The Trust for Public Land bought the 120-acre homestead property named Doody Ranch on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River near Harrison Lake. The property was purchased for $900,000 and sold to the park service for the same amount using royalties from offshore energy leases.
“This transaction makes one of Montana’s most treasured places whole by securing better access to public land and water,” Sen. Jon Tester said in a statement. “This is a smart investment in the future of Glacier National Park and our outdoor heritage, and it will pay dividends for generations to come.”
The historic site, located in the designated wild and scenic river corridor, is a popular one for visitors because of its history and recreational access. Dan Doody, one of the first Glacier park rangers, settled and owned the property, where he lived with his wife, Josephine, in the early 20th Century.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund, whose revenue comes from offshore oil leases, provided financing for the Doody Ranch investment. The National Parks Conservation Association made the acquisition one of its top priorities submitted to the National America’s Great Outdoors initiative, a multi-agency program launched in 2010 with the goal of improving and preserving access to public lands.
NPCA officials said the acquisition of Doody Ranch preserves Glacier’s natural values as well as its cultural history.
“Ownership of this parcel really means shared ownership of our past, and it represents a down payment on our future, as well,” Michael Jamison, NPCA Glacier program manager, said in a statement.
“Glacier National Park is not just our inheritance, but also our legacy to future generations.”