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GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS TO
THE OWEN SOWERWINE NATURAL AREA |
The Owen
Sowerwine Natural Area (OSNA) is on state school trust land. It
has been designated by law as a State Natural Area. The land is
leased from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and
Conservation (DNRC) by Montana Audubon with support from the
Flathead Audubon Society, in order to maintain its status as a
Natural Area. It is jointly managed as a Natural Area by Montana
Audubon and the Flathead Audubon Society according to the OSNA
Master Plan.
The OSNA Master Plan is available on the Montana Audubon website
(www.mtaudubon.org),
or from Flathead Audubon (contact Brent Mitchell,
bkmitch@centurytel.net,
756-8130)
NATURAL HAZARDS
It is the User’s responsibility to be aware of and take
precautions for all natural hazards.
Visitors are advised to not be present in OSNA during strong
winds. Snags and downed wood provide habitat for birds and
other wildlife, but can easily be toppled by high winds.
Other natural hazards include: seasonally high water,
stinging insects, and free roaming wild animals.
ACCESS
There is a walk-in-only gate at each of the three
entrances:
east end of Treasure Lane; east end of Greenridge Road;
southwest corner of OSNA.
PARKING
Parking at the three entrances is very limited.
Park only within the public road rights-of-way.
Please do not use adjoining landowners’ driveways for turnaround
or parking.
Shuttle vehicle(s) should be used for larger groups.
REGULATIONS
Regulations governing the use of OSNA by human visitors are
stated in the OSNA Master Plan.
These regulations include:
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Foot
Access Only
No Pets -- except: seeing-eye dogs (see also
HUNTING below)
No Littering
No Fires or Camping;
No Shelters May Be Erected
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HUNTING
Hunting on OSNA is governed by state hunting laws.
DNRC regulations prohibit the discharge of firearms within ¼
miles of a residence.
Hunting dogs are allowed while under control of a handler
during Sept.15-
Feb. 1.
Visitors are advised to wear blaze orange during local
hunting seasons.
STATE RECREATIONAL USE PERMIT
REQUIREMENT
Visitors are required by law to have a State Recreational
Use Permit to enter OSNA unless they are members of
Montana Audubon or Flathead Audubon, or are participating in an
Audubon sponsored activity.
GROUP ACTIVITIES AT OSNA
Organizations wishing to hold a group activity that will take
place in OSNA must obtain written permission from Montana
Audubon or Flathead Audubon.
TO CONTACT MANAGERS
Flathead Audubon Society
Brent Mitchell,
bkmitch@centurytel.net
756-8130
Linda Winnie,
lindawin@centurytel.net
755-1406
Montana Audubon
Janet Ellis,
jellis@mtaudubon.org,
406-443-3949
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