Libby Montana.
Libby Montana Real Estate.
Libby Montana
Libby Dam was completed in 1972 as a joint project between the United States and Canada in an effort to provide flood protection and to generate hydroelectric power. The Kootenai River fluctuated wildly in the spring causing flooding in Montana, Idaho and British Columbia, costing millions of dollars in flood damage. Congress authorized construction of Libby Dam in 1951 and construction began in 1966.
Libby Dam Visitor Center has a newly remodeled exhibit area, book/gift sales area and auditorium featuring "The Power and Beauty of the Kootenai, the Story of Libby Dam". Libby Dam Visitor Center will be open from 9:30 am to 6 pm beginning Memorial Day weekend. Guided tours of the dam and powerhouse are from the Visitor Center at 10 am, noon, 2 and 4 pm during the summer season.
The visitor center is located on the west side of the dam and can be reached from the Forest Development Road (FDR) #228. The visitor parking area and boat ramp is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the summer. However, the top of the dam is closed to all traffic for security reasons.
 If you are interested in taking a tour, you must check-in at the Visitor Center front desk at least 10 minutes prior to each tour time. Tours last approximately 1-? hours and start from the Visitor Center. Adults wishing to take the tour must bring photo identification in the form of a valid drivers license or passport. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bags, backpacks or purses are not allowed on tours. Cameras, video equipment or other electronic devices are also not allowed. When necessary, personal medication will be allowed to be carried on ones self. School groups and special request tours are still welcome throughout the year. For information regarding special tours, please contact the visitor center at (406) 293-5577.
Libby Dam is architecturally one of the strongest and most massive types of dam built today. The dam is 422 feet tall and 3,055 feet long and was built to withstand an earthquake of up to 6.5 on the Richter scale with no structural damage. Forty-seven monolithic sections make up the dam, each one designed to stand on its own like individual dams. If one section were to fail, the other 46 would remain standing. Seismic monitoring equipment carefully monitors the dam for movement and structural integrity through one of the most thorough instrumentation systems in the United States.
 There are over 30 full-time employees who work at Libby Dam year-round. During the summer, seasonal employees are added to the staff to assist with natural resources and powerhouse sections. Visitors can go on guided tours inside the dam during the summer months.
During the peak of the construction in the 1970s, Libby Dam employed over 2,000 workers.To offset the impact of the construction on nearby communities, the Corps of Engineers build three new schools, additions to several other schools, and the Libby airport. The town of Rexford was moved to higher ground, where a new school, water system, sewage system, fire station, post office and road were built. Highway 37 was also relocated to higher ground on the east side of the reservoir. A forest development road (FDR) was established along the west side of the reservoir, and provides access to the streams, drainages and recreational sites on the west side of the lake. Koocanusa Bridge, Montana's longest (2,437 feet) and highest (270 feet) bridge, was built to provide additional access across the north end of the reservoir. The Great Northern Railroad line was also relocated,  proving to be one of the most complex of all the projects related to the Libby Dam. This rail line relocation included the building of a seven-mile railroad tunnel through Elk Mountain, on the upper Wolf Creek Drainage of the Kootenai National Forest.
Recreation sites were built near the dam and at several locations along the lake edge. The sites at the dam are managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The other recreation sites are maintained by the US Forest Service. McGillivray Campground on the west side of the lake, has a boat dock, group picnic area, swimming area with sandy beach, and flush toilets.
Libby Dam generators can provide enough electricity for the daily needs of 500,000 average homes. Electricity generated by the dam is sold by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to customers in a 300,000 square-mile area that includes western Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and parts of California, Wyoming, Utah and Nevada.
Lake Koocanusa 
Lake Koocanusa is home to a variety of fish species. Sport fish include rainbow trout, west slope cutthroat, brook trout, kokaneee salmon (blueback), burbot (ling), whitefish and Kamloops (a strain of rainbow trout). The lake has a maximum depth of 370 feet at full pool. A valid Montana fishing license is required to fish any Montana waters.
Lake Koocanusa received its name in a contest to name the reservoir behind the dam. Alice Beers, from Rexford, Montana, combined the first three letters from KOOtenai River, and the first three letters of CANada and USA.
Libby Dam has a Visitor's Center with historical displays and information about the dam, wildlife, and recreation associated with the dam and reservoir.
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 Lake Koocanusa area offers many recreational opportunities for fishing and boating. There are developed and undeveloped campground areas, picnic facilities, marinas and hiking trails in many places along both sides of the reservoir. Boat ramps are located at Souse Gulch, McGillivray, Koocanusa Marina, Barron Creek, and Rexford Bench. Yarnell Island, located in the middle of the reservoir, is a fun site for overnight campers who wish to boat out to the island (restroom facilities available). McGillivray campground has a roped-off swimming beach with sand and a diving area. Playground equipment is located at the Souse Gulch recreation site maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Boaters are reminded that each boat passenger must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, and children under 12 are required to wear their life jacket at all times when boating on Montana waters.  Since recreational sites along Lake Koocanusa are managed by more than one agency, visitors should check the rules and regulations for each area. Boaters should be aware that the reservoir extends across the international boundary into Canada, and crossing the border could result in a citation.
The Kootenai River is listed as a "Blue Ribbon" trout stream. As part of the Army Corps of Engineers wildlife & fisheries management programs, the Murray Springs Fish Hatchery was built in 1978 just north of Eureka. Fish raised at the hatchery are stocked in many lakes and streams in Lincoln County, including Lake Koocanusa, as well as many other waters in the state. Temperature of the Kootenai River below the dam is controlled to create ideal conditions for the growth and reproduction of trout. Populations of bald eagles, osprey, and other bird and wildlife species have thrived since the dam was built.
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Places to Stay
- Koocanusa Resort - 23911 US Hwy 37. Lodge, cabins, campsites and gas station on 90 mile long Lake Koocanusa. Horseback riding and boat rentals. (406) 293-7548..
- Two Bit Outfit RV Park - Hwy 2 West. Full hook-ups for RV's. Pull thru, Cable TV, showers. Located mile from the shopping center. (406) 293-8323. Scott Curry or Marnie Quintanilla.
- Fireman's Park- Hwy 2 West .... Nightly fee $5.00 for RV's and $2.00 per tent site, provided by the City of Libby for recreational vehicles or tents. No water or electrical hook-ups, but water and restrooms are available. Situated behind the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce office. Five day camping limit.
- U.S. Forest Service - (406) 293-6211. Brochure available listing all camp grounds.
- Woodland RV Park - located right off Hwy2, 1 1/4 miles West of Hwy 37 & Hwy 2 junction. Beautiful 10 acre setting in the trees on Parmenter Creek. 50 full RV hookups, (30/50 amps), tents welcome, restrooms, showers, laundry. (406) 293-8395 Jeff and Leslie Forster.
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The Caboose Motel and Sportsman's Information Center - 714 Hwy 2 West. Close to downtown shopping and dining. Twenty-eight ground level units ranging in price from $38.00 to $55 for one person, $6 more for each additional person. Newly remodeled Kings available. Cable TV, microwave and fridge. FREE INTERNET. Master Card, Visa, Discover and American Express accepted. Pets accepted. Reservations: (406) 293-6201 or (800) 627-0206.
Evergreen Motel - 808 Mineral Ave, 1-406-293-4178. Fifteen units from $30 and up per night depending on number of people. All rooms have small refrigerators and there are some kitchen units and some queen beds. Master Card and Visa.
Hansen Kootenai River Vacation Homes - 1815 River Rd. Troy, MT. Relaxation without a crowd! Two bedroom A frame. Two bedroom log home. New log duplex & home for large groups also available. All have kitchens. All on the Kootenai River-fishing right out your back door! Spa and indoor swimming pool. Seasonal rates available. Reservations: (406)295-4630 or 1(800)558-VIEW.
Koocanusa Resort - 23911 US Hwy 37, - Lodge, cabins, campsites and gas station on 90 mile long Lake Koocanusa. Horseback riding and boat rentals. (406)293-7474
How is the real estate market in Libby, Troy, and the Yaak? EXCELLENT! The following figures, taken from the Lincoln County Multiple Listing Service (MLS), reflect this activity:
2005 AT A GLANCE:
Total # of Residentials SOLD in 2005 ? 220:
Libby: 171; Troy: 31; Yaak: 6; Noxon, TFalls, Kalispell: 12
Total # of Land Parcels SOLD in 2005 ? 132:
Libby: 53; Troy: 41; Yaak: 33; Noxon, TFalls, Trout Creek: 5
Total # of Commercial Properties SOLD in 2005 - 24:
Libby: 16 ; Troy: 6; Yaak: 0
As of December 31, 2005, the Lincoln County Multiple Listing Service (MLS) shows the following inventory figures:
Total # of Residential LISTINGS: 95
Libby: 43; Troy: 28; Yaak: 10; Noxon, Trout Creek, Heron, Other: 14
Total # of Land LISTINGS: 89
Libby: 39; Troy: 34; Yaak: 10: Noxon, Trout Creek, Heron, Other): 2
Total # of Commercial LISTINGS: 21
Libby: 13 ; Troy: 6 ; Other (Noxon, TFalls, Trout Creek): 2
2005 has seen a number of new faces in our community as people continue to discover Libby and all it has to offer. In addition to new residents, many positive changes occurred in '05, with more ideas and updates scheduled for '06.
The booming real estate market in our area has depleted our inventory of competitively priced, quality homes, land, & businesses. If you are a potential seller who has considered listing your home, land or business, or a buyer considering a move to our area?please contact us. We?ll be happy to discuss our Client Service Plan with you. Buyers, send us your 'wish list' to help us prepare for your visit.
www.TenLakesRealty.com
Libby Irish Fair March 11th (posted 12/26/05)
Art & Craft fair, musical performances
The 11th annual Libby Irish Fair will be held on Saturday, March 11th, at the Memorial Center in Libby. The featured performers will be by An Dochas, along with the Haran Irish Dancers. The concert will be at 7 pm. The arts & crafts fair opens at 10 am at the Center. There will be live entertainment, raffles and food available.
Concert tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Advanced tickets are available at Mountain Meadows Gifts in Libby.
An Ds is Gaelic for ?The Hope?. This 5-member musical ensemble specializes in Irish music with a World beat. The group is from Colville, Washington, and plays an assortment of traditional instruments including the Uilleann pipes, whistles, Bodhrᮠand fiddle. Their music appeals to audiences of all ages and musical tastes.
The Haran Irish Dancers entertain audiences with traditional and non-traditional Irish step dancing and has been performing throughout the Pacific Northwest for the past ten years.
For more information about the evening performances or booths at the craft fair, call 406-293-2336.
  
Outdoor Recreation
The Libby area is an outdoor enthusiast's playground. Summer offers fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, ATVing, wildlife viewing, golfing and more. Winter brings downhill and x-country skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing and snowmobiling. Whatever the season, the Kootenai National Forest contains 2.2 million acres and 3 wilderness areas in which to play!
The Kootenai National Forest contains 2.2 million acres of public land for the outdoor enthusiast. Ranges of high, craggy peaks mark the Forest with Snowshoe Peak in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness at 8,738 feet, the highest point. The Whitefish Range, Purcell Mountains, Bitterroot Range, Salish Mountains and Cabinet Mountains are all part of the rugged terrain radiating from the river valleys. In the north-central part of the Forest, the land is more open with gently rolling timbered hills lying in the shadows of the Whitefish Range.
 The Forest is dominated by two major rivers: the Kootenai and Clark Fork, along with several smaller rivers and their tributaries. Two dams on the Clark Fork have created the Cabinet Gorge and Noxon Reservoirs within the Forest boundary. Highway 200 parallels these reservoirs as it crosses the Forest. The Kootenai River is bridled by Libby Dam, creating Lake Koocanusa, a 90-mile-long reservoir reaching into Canada. Lake Koocanusa, 16 miles north of Libby, is almost totally encompassed by Forest land with Highway 37 following the east shore to Rexford, and a Forest road along the west shore to within a few miles of Canada. These roads offer wonderful mountain biking opportunities on roads that don't receive a high amount of traffic.
The Yaak, Fisher, Tobacco, Bull, and Vermillion Rivers are smaller rivers within the confines of the Forest. There are 141 lakes located within the Forest boundaries that range from small alpine lakes to 1,240-acre Bull Lake.
CABINET MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS (more)
94,360 acres. This wilderness area contains mountainous, rugged terrain that runs north/south through the center of the Kootenai National Forest. High mountain peaks, notably Snowshoe, A Peak, and others ranging from 7,618 feet to 8,738 feet, provide a scenic backdrop for Libby and the surrounding area. More than 20 trails leading into the Wilderness give access to dozens of small lakes, ridgetop panoramas, and alpine meadows.
TEN LAKES SCENIC AREA (more)
15,700 acres. Ten Lakes offers unparalleled scenery and solitude. With the Canadian border on one side, the Ten Lakes Area is dominated by a high ridge of the Whitefish Mountains. Alpine glaciers carved deep scallops, or cirques, and high, rim-rocked
basins which shelter numerous area lakes.
NORTHWEST PEAKS SCENIC AREA (more)
19,100 acres - close to both the Canadian and Idaho borders, is reached by Forest roads extending from U.S. Highway 2 and State Highway 508. As part of the Selkirk Range, lofty peaks and deep valleys provide primitive recreation opportunities.
ROSS CREEK SCENIC AREA (more)
100 acres. Reached by 4 miles of Forest road from State Highway 56, the area is a grove of ancient Western Red Cedar trees growing along the banks of Ross Creek. A self-guided nature trail forms a winding loop through the grove, providing views of many cedars that are 8 feet in diameter and 175 feet tall.
WATERFALLS (more)
Kootenai Falls on the Kootenai River, adjacent to U.S. Highway 2 between Libby and Troy, is a major scenic attraction. The placid river which carries water volumes ranging from 3,500 cfs to 30,000 cfs, suddenly gathers momentum, surging first
through China Rapids and then over Kootenai Falls, dropping 90 feet in less than a mile. The main falls is 30 feet high. Other falls on the Forest include Yaak, West Fork Yaak, Vermillion, Little North Fork, Pinkham, Sutton, Ten Mile, Turner, Falls
Creek, and Ross Creek.
NATIONAL RECREATION TRAILS (more)
There are five National Recreation Trails on the Forest with a combined mileage of approximately 70 miles.
DEVELOPED CAMPGROUNDS (more)
There are 40 Forest Service campgrounds throughout the Forest. Campground use is most popular in July and August but most sites are open as soon as they are snow-free in the spring. Many remain open through the fall hunting season.
BIRDS
191 species recorded; a checklist is available. Some of the more regularly occurring species include pileated, hairy, and downy woodpeckers; belted kingfisher; Bohemian and cedar waxwings; pygmy and great horned owls; common loon; many duck species; grouse; jays; hummingbirds; bluebirds, and chickadees. Bald Eagles, osprey, and Harlequin ducks can be seen seasonally.
MAMMALS
The Forest has a great diversity of animals that range from moose to mice. Elk, mule and whitetail deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, black bear, mountain lion, grizzly bear, coyote, weasel, mink, wolverine, beaver, otter, porcupine, skunk, snowshoe hare, mountain cottontail, pika, bobcat, and lynx are a partial listing of the game and non-game species residing within the Forest boundaries.
FISH
Rivers, streams, and lakes on the Forest support populations of rainbow, westslope, cutthroat, and brook trout; kokanee salmon; mountain whitefish; sturgeon; ling; perch; bass; and sunfish.
OTHER RECREATION ACTIVITIES
Camping: 40 campgrounds, 696 units. Open mid-April through September; some year-round. (more)
Lookout Rental: For those who would like to enjoy a mountain top experience, six lookouts are available to rent on a recreation basis. (more)
Hiking, backpacking: 1,440 miles of trails. Over 300,000 acres of unroaded backcountry are available to recreationists. (more)
Hunting: Elk, deer, black bear, mountain sheep, mountain goat, moose, grouse, and water fowl.
Fishing: Good fishing in streams and lakes. Montana's record small mouth bass was caught on a Forest lake. Koocanusa Reservoir is an excellent kokanee salmon fishery. (more)
Swimming: Most lower elevation lakes are nice for swimming; several of the larger lakes and reservoirs have developed beaches with picnic tables, shelters, and toilets.
Boating: Power boating with ramps on all the larger lakes and reservoirs.
Floating: Parts of the Kootenai, Fisher, and Yaak Rivers should present no problem to experienced floaters in canoes, rafts, or boats.
Skiing: Downhill skiing on Turner Mountain, 5,952 feet elevation, with a 2,400-foot vertical rise, 5,600-foot T-Bar lift, is located 22 miles from Libby. Cross-country skiing with groomed trails and unlimited opportunities is offered on numerous backcountry roads. (more)
Snowmobiling: Over 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. (more)
Misc: Huckleberry picking; mushroom gathering.
ORV - Off-Highway Vehicle Use
U. S. Forest Service and BLM lands provide trail-riding opportunities for off-highway vehicles (OHV), such as motorcycles and ATV's. For trail information contact the Forest Service Office or BLM office closest to the area where you plan to use your ATV. All OHV's used for recreation on public lands must be registered and display a
current OHV decal. A non-resident using an OHV that is not registered in a nonresident's home state must purchase a nonresident temporary-use permit. Permits are available from any Fish Wildlife and Parks office. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) include motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), quadricycles, dune buggies, amphibious vehicles and air cushion vehicles. Trails are maintained by local clubs or government agencies with grant money provided by FWP. OHV funds are derived from OHV gas tax refund and decal fees. For information about trail riding areas contact the local Forest Service or BLM office for a travel plan map. Contact FWP at 406-444-2615 for more information. (Snowmobiles are not OHVs.)
Registration
Off-highway vehicles operating on public land for recreational purposes must be registered and display decals. OHVs must be registered at the County Treasurers office in the county where the owner resides. Registrations expire December 31 of each year. OHVs that are properly registered in another state may operate in Montana for up to 30 consecutive days. Non-residents with OHVs that are not registered may purchase a temporary use permit that is valid for the calendar year. Permits are $5.
www.LakeKoocanusaMontana.com
www.NorthwestMontana.com
Libby Montana
Libby Dam
Lake Koocanusa
Kootenai River Northwest Montana
Libby Northwest Montana
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