Ball Creek Ranch Preserve

Ball Creek wetland / Steve Grourke

"Build it and they will come."

Call it our "wetland of dreams." In 2002, The Nature Conservancy began a 500-acre restoration project on Ball Creek Ranch Preserve, a 2300-acre nature preserve located 12 miles north of Bonners Ferry.

The wetland project aimed to restore habitat that had been missing from the Kootenai River Valley for decades, part of an effort to provide more habitat for ducks, geese and other wildlife throughout this special area.

The Conservancy balances the wetlands with a working farm and ranch that operates on two-thirds of the preserve.

In addition, the Conservancy has a 350-acre conservation easement on adjacent timberland owned by Forest Capital Partners. The propetty is managed under a timber management agreement.

When the wetland was first constructed, the Conservancy's Steve Grourke remarked, "Build it and they will come." It did not take long for his prediction to become reality. In the fall, flocks of ducks and geese flock to the preserve before continuing their migration. Dozens of other bird species have been spotted on the preserve and nearby Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors should keep an eye out for moose, elk, otter, beaver, bald eagle and even black bear.

We hope you can visit our beautiful wetlands soon.

To do: Bird and wildlife watching, hiking, hunting, canoeing and kayaking, fly-fishing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Facilities: There are no public facilities on-site.

Directions: Traveling south on Hwy 95, go through Bonners Ferry. Turn left (west) on Riverside Avenue (this is the left just before you cross the bridge over the Kootenai River). Follow this road for 7 miles until you get to the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. The road then become West Side Road. Continue on the West Side Road for 5 miles or until you cross the bridge over Ball Creek. The guest facility and public parking is on the left side of the road.

Contact: (208) 676-8176 or jpetty@tnc.org