Travelers For Open Land | Stories and Updates

Helena IR Gives Thumbs Up to Travelers for Open Land

2012-02-17T07:51:00.001-08:00

Nice article in the Helena IR about the benefits of Travelers for Open Land and the projects the Travelers program has helped fund. This is a photo of the Milburn project near Helena.

Conservation Fund was Kennedy's Valentine

2012-02-15T08:53:00.001-08:00

Deb Love at The Trust for Public Land puts the Land and Water Conservation Fund into an interesting historical perspective in a letter to the editor published in the Missoulian. http://missoulian.com/news/opinion/mailbag/conservation-fund-was-kennedy-s-valentine-to-future-generations/article_e8088242-5733-11e1-88c8-001871e3ce6c.html

Homegrown Conservation: Travelers for Open Land

2012-02-14T07:31:00.000-08:00

Great column in the Bozeman Chronicle about Travelers for Open Land. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/guest_columnists/article_f29d26a4-5666-11e1-bb5a-0019bb2963f4.html Thanks Kelly!

TFOL Awards $35,000 for Land Conservation Grants

2012-02-12T19:27:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the seven Montana Association of Land Trusts members that will share $35,000 in Travelers for Open Land grants. Thank you to the participating businesses and all the people who donated to make the grants possible! More info to follow.

Finding Common Ground

2012-02-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

Great project near Troy that keeps working lands working, conserves wildlife habitat and maintains recreational access. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/finding_common_ground/26535/

From Generation to Generation

2012-02-05T20:52:00.001-08:00

Interesting story in the Bozeman Chronicle about the difficulty of passing the family farm or ranch to the next generation. Conservation easements are mentioned as one tool to ease that transfer. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/agriculture/article_ef244bc0-4fa8-11e1-bbb5-001871e3ce6c.html

Montanans Say Conservation is Important

2012-02-03T10:29:00.000-08:00

Interesting poll produced by Colorado College about Montana and land conservation. The message in the polls is pretty clear: Jobs are very important, but so is conservation. http://www2.coloradocollege.edu/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewestsurvey_e.html

Easement Conserves Flathead River Lands

2012-01-30T09:08:00.001-08:00

Excellent Kalispell Daily Inter Lake article about a conservation easement Travelers for Open Land helped fund. The easement keeps a fourth-generation farm involved in traditional agriculture. Many thanks to Jerry Brosten and the Brosten family, and thanks to Flathead Land Trust. http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_cd8ea9ae-4af0-11e1-8d5e-001871e3ce6c.html

Phasmid Rentals Supports TFOL

2012-01-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Will Casella and Phasmid Rentals in Bozeman for their participation in and financial support of Travelers for Open Land. Check Phasmid out athttp://www.phasmidrentals.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=83

RMEF Wins Best New Series on Outdoor Channel

2012-01-27T14:43:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for its "RMEF Team Elk" show being named Fan Favorite Best New Series on the Outdoor Channel.http://www.rmef.org/NewsandMedia/NewsReleases/2012/TeamElkVote.htm

Thanks to Jakes Horses

2012-01-26T08:47:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Jake and Katie Grimm of Jakes Horses in Big Sky for their recent contribution to Travelers for Open Land. We appreciate Jakes Horses and their guests for their support of the TFOL program and for their commitment to Montana open lands. http://www.jakeshorses.com/

Editorial Applauds GVLT Trail Efforts

2012-01-23T20:29:00.000-08:00

Bozeman Chronicle salutes the efforts of Gallatin Valley Land Trust on the Triple Tree Trail trail project.

GVLT Works to Shore Up Triple Tree Trail

2012-01-18T15:33:00.000-08:00

Gallatin Valley Land Trust is helping lead the "Main Street to the mountains" trail efforts in Gallatin County through improvements to the Triple Tree Trail. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/environment/article_3dc54348-4189-11e1-9eca-001871e3ce6c.html

Thanks to the Grant Creek Inn in Missoula

2012-01-16T10:18:00.001-08:00

Thanks to the staff, management and guests at the Best Western Grant Creek Inn in Missoula for donating and collecting $492 for Travelers for Open Land. We appreciate your commitment to the Travelers for Open Land program!

An Impressive Story of Family and Place

2012-01-12T08:17:00.001-08:00

An amazing story of family and place published in the Ravalli Republic. The Severson family and their Bitterroot Valley ranch tell an impressive and remarkable tale. Travelers for Open Land is proud of have helped fund this project. http://ravallirepublic.com/news/local/article_eca290a0-3cd4-11e1-b6a6-001871e3ce6c.html

Madison Valley Ranchlands Conserved

2012-01-06T07:48:00.000-08:00

The Bozeman Chronicle reports on conservation easements in the Madison Valley that will allow the landowners to "keep this land productive agricultural land." http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/environment/article_5c482b30-37fe-11e1-905a-0019bb2963f4.html

Protected Forever

2012-01-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

Helena Independent Record article lauds the "team effort" on a project to protect open land and riparian areas, allow recreational access and create educational opportunities. Prickly Pear Land Trust will hold the conservation easement.

Guest Column Salutes Land Trusts

2012-01-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Kelly Pohl of Gallatin Valley Land Trust published a thoughtful year-end column in the Bozeman Chronicle about the value of Montana land trusts and private land conservation. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/guest_columnists/article_c899d2dc-317a-11e1-b501-0019bb2963f4.html

Ward Ranch Easement Protects Wildlife Habitat

2011-12-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

Missoulian article captures the benefits of the Ward Ranch conservation easement near Missoula. Lots of wildlife habitat and a key wildlife corridor between the Mission Mountains and Rattlesnake Wilderness areas. http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/easement-protects--acre-wildlife-rich-ranch-in-ninemile/article_71baa3f4-3113-11e1-8425-0019bb263f4.html

Thanks to Mike Scholz, Buck's T-4 and Knight Foundation

2011-12-29T07:09:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Mike Scholz and Buck's T-4 Lodge in Big Sky, and to the Knight Foundation in Big Sky, for your recent contributions to Travelers for Open Land. You helped TFOL have its best year ever in 2011! Thanks again.

Easement Protect Open Land and Hunting Access

2011-12-28T08:09:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Doug and Jeanne Hall and Five Valleys Land Trust for finalizing a conservation easement that protects hunting access and open land in the Blackfoot Valley. http://missoulian.com/news/local/easement-to-protect-acres-on-family-ranch-near-potomac/article_c2fc1326-2dec-11e1-a332-0019bb2963f4.html

Boyer Ranch is "Awash With Wild Critters"

2011-12-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

The Missoula County Open Lands program approved the Boyer conservation easement, which keeps land open for wildlife and agriculturally productive. Congratulations to Joe Boyer, Five Valleys Land Trust and Missoula County.http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/missoula-county-oks-open-space-money-for-easement-near-huson/article_7a944f8a-2c49-11e1-8f33-0019bb2963f4.html

Thanks Wild Trout Outfitters in Big Sky

2011-12-18T18:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to J.D. Bingman and the folks at Wild Trout Outfitters in Big Sky for collecting and donating to Travelers for Open Land in 2011. We appreciate your efforts. Every little bit helps! Good luck in 2012!

Land Trust Receives Trail Grant

2011-12-16T08:42:00.000-08:00

Prickly Pear Land Trust in Helena has secured a grant to expand and improve the Mount Ascension trail system, which is great news for area hikers and the community. http://helenair.com/news/local/trail-groups-win-grants/article_9a3357a2-27b5-11e1-9a07-0019bb2963f4.html

Big Sky Country

2011-12-11T19:28:00.000-08:00

Montana launches new winter tourism program. http://mtstandard.com/news/state-and-regional/montana-launches-winter-tourism-campaign/article_26e5b1f3-dae4-555a-96c2-ecb768d771c0.html

Montana is Conservation Leader

2011-12-07T08:08:00.000-08:00

Missoulian guest column showcases the value of Montana private land conservation. http://missoulian.com/news/opinion/columnists/census-montana-a-conservation-leader/article_44f21aa2-201d-11e1-8fdd-001871e3ce6c.html

Trails and the "Flute Player Dude"

2011-12-05T08:18:00.001-08:00

Fun letter to the editor in the Bozeman Chronicle about the Drinking Horse Trail, Gallatin Valley Land Trust and the "flute player dude." http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/letters_to_editor/article_065db392-1d3d-11e1-9b7f-0019bb2963f4.html

Prickly Pear Land Trust and 2010 Land Trust Census

2011-12-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

Nice guest column in the Helena Independent Record about the 2010 National Land Trust Census and the accomplishments of Prickly Pear Land Trust. Great job, Andy Baur! http://helenair.com/news/opinion/land-trust-census-shows-progress-in-montana/article_0a0a0fc2-1cb1-11e1-bc2b-0019bb2963f4.html

Thanks to Corner Store in Whitehall

2011-12-01T08:48:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Tim Mulligan, owner of The Corner Store in Whitehall, and thanks to Corner Store contributors for your donations to Travelers for Open Land. Every little bit helps!

2011 Montana Neighbor Award Winners

2011-11-27T10:38:00.000-08:00

Travelers for Open Land and the Montana Association of Land Trusts congratulate Mike and Lisa Bay of Wolf Creek, Jim Dinsmore of Hall and John and Irene Weaver of Ovando for receiving 2011 Montana Neighbor awards. The award is recognition for their excellent stewardship efforts. http://helenair.com/news/local/wolf-creek-ranchers-honored-for-land-stewardship/article_2e0a9e1a-17fb-11e1-939f-001cc4c002e0.htm

National Land Trust Census Montana Fact Sheet

2011-11-21T14:40:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Land Trust Census includes a two-page fact sheet about Montana private land conservation that shows the achievements of Montana land trusts, landowners and volunteers.

The Value of Wildlife Friendly Fences

2011-11-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

A recent guest column in the Bozeman Chronicle by Kelly Pohl of Gallatin Valley Land Trust highlights the value of wildlife friendly fences. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/guest_columnists/article_43a02244-0ee2-11e1-97d5-001cc4c03286.html

Montana Fourth Nationally in Conserved Lands

2011-11-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

The Land Trust Alliance's 2010 Land Trust Census shows Montana is fourth nationally in total acres conserved through conservation easements. Check out the Census report at http://www.landtrustalliance.org/land-trusts/land-trust-census

TFOL Founder Receives Award

2011-11-14T14:44:00.000-08:00

Mike Scholz was recently named Lodging Person of the Year by the Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association. Mike is owner of Buck’s T-4 Lodge in Big Sky and is also a founder of Travelers for Open Land. Mike has been on the Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association Board of Directors since 1989 and is active in many Big Sky area organizations and state tourism promotion efforts. In announcing the award, the Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association commended Mike’s commitment to the tourism industry and lauded his efforts to develop the Travelers for Open Land program. Congratulations, Mike, on a richly deserved award.

El Western Raises $664 for TFOL

2011-11-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

Big Thanks to El Western Cabins & Lodges in Ennis for your $664 contribution to Travelers for Open Land. El Western owner Kris Hauck is a hospitality industry leader and major supporter of Travelers for Open Land.http://www.elwestern.com/

MLR Promotes Travelers for Open Land

2011-11-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the Montana Land Reliance for promoting Travelers for Open Land in the MLR Fall 2011 Newsletter. The newsletter focuses on stewardship and on page 14 of the newsletter MLR reports that Travelers for Open Land is getting "bigger and better." Visit the MLR website athttp://www.mtlandreliance.org/

Popham Ranch will be there "for generations to come"

2011-11-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

Very nice article in the Ravalli Republic about the Popham family and their historic ranch in the Bitterroot Valley.

http://ravallirepublic.com/news/local/article_2d3cc7c6-09bc-11e1-863d-001cc4c002e0.html

Plum Creek Foundation Supports Land Trusts

2011-11-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

Jerry Sorensen of Plum Creek Timber Company (center) recently presented Plum Creek Foundation checks to Mark Schiltz of the Montana Land Reliance (right) and Glenn Marx of the Montana Association of Land Trusts for MLR and MALT projects. Plum Creek awarded a $3,500 grant to MLR’s Flathead Agriculture Forum and $3,000 to MALT for the Montana Conservation Easement Conference. MALT and MLR expressed gratitude to Plum Creek for the grant funding.

Belton Chalet Donates to Travelers for Open Land

2011-11-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the great folks at the Belton Chalet in West Glacier for their contribution to Travelers for Open Land. The Belton Chalet collected $1,077 from their guests in 2011 to support Montana's open lands. Thanks very much! http://www.beltonchalet.com/

Thanks to the Firehole Ranch

2011-10-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

Big thanks to owner Lyndy Caine and the great staff at the Firehole Ranch for their efforts to collect $2,150 from guests for Travelers for Open Land. Thanks to the Firehole Ranch and many other participating properties, Travelers for Open Land will celebrate its best year ever in 2011. Thanks to everyone who made that possible! http://www.fireholeranch.com/

Great Conservation Easement Conference

2011-10-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the supporters, funders, speakers, partners, presenters and attendees who made the Montana Association of Land Trusts Conservation Easement Conference in Missoula yesterday such a success. Great presentations and a great turnout for a great conference!

Silver Forest Inn Joins TFOL

2011-10-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

Travelers for Open Land welcomes the Silver Forest Inn, located in the Bridger Canyon outside of Bozeman, to the list of business properties participating in Travelers for Open Land. Welcome! http://www.silverforestinn.com/

RMEF Reaches Six Million Acres of Protected Lands

2011-10-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for reaching six million acres of protected or enhanced lands. http://www.rmef.org/

Forum Highlights the Importance of Agriculture

2011-10-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

Flathead Beacon article about an agriculture forum sponsored by the Montana Land Reliance illustrates the importance of agriculture to the Flathead economy and quality of life. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/agricultural_innovation/25064/

Popham Family Conservation Easement Approved

2011-10-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Popham family, Bitter Root Land Trust, the Ravalli County Commission and everyone who helped maintain Ravalli County agriculture by making the Popham Ranch conservation easement a reality.http://ravallirepublic.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_2454d466-f60f-11e0-8519-001cc4c002e0.html

Future Bright for Flathead Agriculture

2011-10-13T08:55:00.001-07:00

Nice article in the Kalispell Daily Inter Lake about the Montana Land Reliance Agriculture Forum, held Oct. 11 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. The good news is that agriculture is and will continue to be a key part of the Flathead's economy. http://dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_2ebba44c-f53e-11e0-935a-001cc4c03286.html

Conservation Easement Workshop is Well Attended

2011-10-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the landowners who attended the workshop on conservation easements in Dillon yesterday. We had a good turnout and excellent presentations from the speakers. Thanks to the presenters and to JP Tanner for helping arrange the workshop. Here's a workshop photo of Rock Ringling from the Montana Land Reliance.

GVLT Helps Dedicate New Climbing Boulder

2011-10-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

Gallatin Valley Land Trust helped dedicate the new climbing boulder in Bozeman. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/city/article_289569ea-f142-11e0-bf42-001cc4c03286.html

GVLT Helps Improve Trailhead

2011-10-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Gallatin Valley Land Trust and others the Sourdough Canyon Trailhead is being expanded and improved. Sourdough Canyon Trailhead to close next week for new improvements

What is a Conservation Easement?

2011-10-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Montana Standard for publishing a guest column about an Oct. 11 landowners workshop in Dillon on conservation easements. http://mtstandard.com/news/opinion/editorial/conservation-easements-what-are-they-what-do-they-do/article_edf5f88e-ed6f-11e0-8751-001cc4c002e0.htm

Land Trust Volunteers to Improve Trail

2011-10-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

Prickly Pear Land Trust was one of the groups that received a pat on the back for volunteering to improve the Wakina Sky Trail during National Public Lands Day. http://helenair.com/news/opinion/readers_alley/happy-trails/article_5f69f29c-eb2f-11e0-b98c-001cc4c002e0.html

Open Lands Legacy

2011-10-02T17:15:00.001-07:00

The Oct. 2, 2011 Bozeman Chronicle op-ed salutes Chris Boyd and his legacy of open lands in the Gallatin area.http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/article_f7100e0c-eb9c-11e0-900b-001cc4c03286.html

Harvest Moon Provides Adventure

2011-09-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

Nice article about the Prickly Pear Land Trust Harvest Moon event in the Helena IR. Looks like the Davis family is going to do some adventuring.http://helenair.com/news/local/harvest-moon-banquet-bountiful-for-land-trust/article_0d34f1a4-e8d0-11e0-8067-001cc4c03286.html

CFPOF Hosts Wild & Scenic Film Festival

2011-09-26T08:24:00.001-07:00

Check out the Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Sandpoint on Oct. 7-8 by visiting the Clark Fork Pend-Oreille Conservancy website athttp://www.cfpoconservancy.org/.

Grizzly Bear Swims Flathead Lake

2011-09-20T09:29:00.001-07:00

Amazing article in the Flathead Daily Inter Lake about a grizzly bear who swims around in Flathead Lake. http://dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_35d4db14-e0de-11e0-bdbb-001cc4c03286.html

Gotta Have Land to Grow Food

2011-09-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Kelly Pohl of Gallatin Valley Land Trust writes an excellent column for the Bozeman Chronicle about the "most important ingredient" for local food: land. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/article_71e52b5c-de38-11e0-a9f0-001cc4c03286.html

Ravalli County Commission Approves Open Lands Project

2011-09-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

The Ravalli County Commission voted to approve a conservation easement using county open land bond funding. "There's a neighborhood trend here that is encouraging long-term conservation," said Gavin Ricklefs, executive director of the Bitter Root Land Trust. Bitter Root Land Trust received a Travelers for Open Land grant in 2010 for a project located close to this open land bond project.

Land&People Magazine Highlights Legacy Project

2011-09-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

The 2011 summer edition of Trust for Public Land's publication Land&People contains an in-depth article about the history and purpose of the Montana Legacy Project. Read more at http://www.tpl.org/publications/land-and-people-magazine/archive/landpeople-springsummer-2011/conservationists-go-big-in.html

MLR Sponsors Flathead Ag Conference

2011-09-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

Excellent article in the Flathead Beacon about an upcoming agricultural conference sponsored by the Montana Land Reliance.http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/the_future_of_flathead_farming/24482/

Travelers for Open Land Video Now On TVMT

2011-08-29T20:28:00.001-07:00

Great news..the Travelers for Open Land video has been added to TVMT programming. TVMT reaches 55 Montana communities on cable and is also carried by PBS stations in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Missoula and Great Falls. This is great exposure for the Travelers program. Thanks TVMT! Here's a link to TVMT http://leg.mt.gov/css/Services%20Division/tvmt.asp

GVLT's "Evening on the Land" is Sold Out

2011-08-26T08:37:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Gallatin Valley Land Trust. GVLT's "Evening on the Land" celebration on August 27 is sold out. It's not too late to bid on auction items online at http://www.gvlt.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/individual-auction-descriptions_web.pdf

Trust for Public Land leads NW Conservation Project

2011-08-25T08:48:00.001-07:00

The Missoulian reports that the Trust for Public Land is working with Stimson Lumber and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks to protect 28,000 acres of important forestland and wildlife habitat.http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_e6291f5e-ced0-11e0-a89a-001cc4c002e0.html

Vital Ground Secures Key Habitat

2011-08-10T08:29:00.001-07:00

The Missoulian reports on a key acquisition by The Vital Ground Foundation to protect grizzly beat habitat in NW Montana. Vital Ground received a Travelers for Open Land grant earlier this year for a Swan Valley habitat project. http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_e207454a-c2f5-11e0-93d5-001cc4c03286.html

Guest Column Validates the Value of TFOL

2011-08-08T09:21:00.001-07:00

Guest column in the Helena Independent Record written by Mike Scholz comments on research that validates the value and purpose of Travelers for Open Land. Check it out at http://helenair.com/news/opinion/research-confirms-value-of-travelers-for-open-land/article_1c5661f8-c176-11e0-9cde-001cc4c03286.html

Success for People and Wildlife

2011-08-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

Gallatin Valley Land Trust program director Kelly Pohl contributed a guest column to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle in which she discusses wildlife transportation corridors and strategic wildlife fencing, the Chestnut Mountain Trail and private land conservation. Guest column: Bozeman Pass unique success for wildlife, people
www.bozemandailychronicle.com

Who Visits Montana?

2011-08-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

Interesting article in the Flathead Beacon about who visits Montana and why. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/whos_visiting_montana/24055/

"There's Nothing Here"

2011-07-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Good article in the Flathead Beacon about the success of the Montana "There's Nothing Here" ad campaign. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/reaping_the_benefits_of_nothing/24065/

Thanks to El Western in Ennis

2011-07-25T12:37:00.001-07:00

Thanks to John and Kris Hauck at the El Western in Ennis for their recent contribution to Travelers for Open Land.

More Contributions

2011-07-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the recent contributions from Magpie Guest House (Bozeman), Grant Creek Best Western Inn (Missoula) and Gallatin River Lodge (Belgrade).

Tribute to Bud Moore

2011-07-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

A tribute to Bud Moore is set for this weekend. Bud was a legendary conservationist, logger, trapper, forester and storyteller. http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_14be00b8-ae98-11e0-9808-001cc4c002e0.html

Land Trust Offers New Interactive Trail Maps

2011-07-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

Check out the new interactive recreational trail maps feature on the Prickly Pear Land Trust website. PPLT plays a leading role in expanding, maintaining and improving the trail system in and around Helena.http://helenamontanamaps.org/trails/

Land Trusts Help on Collaborative Projects

2011-07-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

Guest column in the Helena IR highlights the value of collaboration and the participation of land trusts. http://helenair.com/news/opinion/article_9f73dba8-a789-11e0-8e20-001cc4c002e0.html

Thanks for Help on Chestnut Mountain Trail

2011-07-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

Letter to the editor in the Bozeman Chronicle thanks Gallatin Valley Land Trust and The Trust for Public Land (and others) for helping provide recreational trail access. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/letters_to_editor/article_b7f1588a-a72b-11e0-83ae-001cc4c002e0.html

RMEF and Deschamps Family Help Conserve Grass Valley

2011-07-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Good article in the Missoula Independent about the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Deschamps family conservation easement near Grass Valley. http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/green-acres/Content?oid=1478100

New TFOL Sign at Bucks T-4 Lodge in Big Sky

2011-07-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

Check out the new sign inside the lobby at Buck's T-4 Lodge at Big Sky. This photo and brief explanation of the TFOL program has simplified explanation at the front desk and increases the contributions.

Gallatin Valley Land Trust Salutes Community Trails

2011-06-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Gallatin Valley Land Trust celebrated its fifth annual "Longest Day of Trails" event in Bozeman on June 24 to highlight the 60 miles of trails in Bozemans impressive community trail system. Read more about the event in a Bozeman Chronicle article. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/article_c8e5002c-9ec2-11e0-98dc-001cc4c002e0.html

Working Ranches, Vacations and Open Lands

2011-06-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Interesting article in the Bozeman Chronicle about vacations at working Montana ranches. The concept really ties together the combination of open land and Montana tourism. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/lifestyles/article_674f2d16-9c5a-11e0-a96e-001cc4c03286.html

Longest Day of Trails on June 24

2011-06-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

Longest Day of Trails coming up Friday, June 24, in Bozeman. The event is sponsored by Gallatin Valley Land Trust and kicks off at 5:00 AM at the Montana Ale Works. Check it out. http://www.gvlt.org/get-involved/events.

Flyover Helps Promote Collaborative Forest Proposal

2011-06-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

The Blackfoot Challenge is one of the leaders of a collaborative forest project in the Blackfoot, Swan and Clearwater areas that seeks to improve forest health, help the economy and boost outdoor recreation.http://helenair.com/news/article_3b10a3a4-996e-11e0-8b61-001cc4c002e0.html

Landowner Workshop Goes Well in Lewistown

2011-06-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the landowners who attended the conservation easement workshop in Lewistown yesterday. It has been flooding (sandbags all around Lewistown) and we appreciate the landowners who made the effort to participate in the workshop. Thanks also to the presenters and to Darren Crawford of the MSU Fergus County Extension office for his assistance. Thanks especially to Ed Levert, chairman of the Montana Forest Stewardship Foundation (pictured), for making the trip from Libby to present at the workshop.

Skiers and Riders for Open Land Photo

2011-06-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo of Taylor Middleton (right), general manager of Big Sky Resort, presenting Mike Scholz a $1,500 check from the Skiers and Riders for Open Land at Big Sky event. Thanks to Taylor, Big Sky and to Mike.

Big Sky Resort Presents $1,500 to TFOL

2011-06-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Big Sky Resort for spearheading Skiers and Riders for Open Land, and thanks to the Lone Peak Lookout for covering the $1,500 check presentation in Big Sky. http://www.lonepeaklookout.com/news/article_b0166994-9217-11e0-9959-001cc4c002e0.html

Land Trusts Honor Mike Scholz

2011-06-08T14:45:00.001-07:00

The Montana Association of Land Trusts met June 7 at Buck's T-4 Lodge in Big Sky and honored Mike Scholz for his continuing leadership in Travelers for Open Land. Land trusts presented Mike with two historical books about the Gallatin Valley and downhill skiing in Montana, and gave him a standing ovation for his efforts to "conserve Montana's natural horizons." Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Mike.

National Trails Day Events

2011-06-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

Great weather and good turnouts for the National Trails Day events in Montana on Saturday, June 4. Lots of snow down low, too. Prickly Pear Land Trust and Gallatin Valley Land Trust are highlighted in this newspaper article. http://helenair.com/news/article_dcac3cf6-8e69-11e0-854b-001cc4c002e0.html

June 4 is National Trails day

2011-06-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 4, is National Trails Day. Check with your local land trust or other local organizations for activities and projects and get out there and enjoy our soggy Montana springtime weather. http://www.americanhiking.org/NTD.aspx

Forest Restoration Collaborative Receives Funds

2011-06-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Southwest Crown Collaborative forest restoration project will receive federal funding for logging, road repair and removal, fuels reduction and habitat restoration work. The project is supported by forest products industry groups and several other groups, including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and the Blackfoot Challenge.http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_bcceccea-8ccb-11e0-890b-001cc4c03286.html

Montana Vacation Homes on the Rise

2011-05-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

There was a 59 percent increase in vacation homes in Montana from 2000-2010, reports the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research. 14,000 new vacation homes were built in Montana during the past decade. Read more at http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/vacation_homes_skyrocket_in_western_montana/23231/.

Don't Fence Me In Run Showcases Open Land / Trails

2011-05-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Prickly Pear Land Trust "Dont Fence Me In" Run does a great job highlighting the value of the Helena community trails system. The May 14 run drew a large crowd and race organizers received praise from the runners.

Prickly Pear Land Trust "Don't Fence Me In" Run

2011-05-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Prickly Pear Land Trust's "Don't Fence Me In" run on May 14 is growing into a major community and recreational event. The run course uses open lands and trails and is extremely popular with area runners. Check out the Helena Independent Record article at http://helenair.com/lifestyles/article_a3f76854-7c5d-11e0-b534-001cc4c03286.html

Flathead Land Trust Earns Wetland Award

2011-05-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Flathead Land Trust and all the partners in the Flathead River to Lake Initiative. The project will receive a Wetland and Watershed Stewardship Award on May 26 during a ceremony in the Montana Capitol rotunda. Flathead Land Trust has also received grants from Travelers for Open Land for the River to Lake Initiative.

Peaks and Priaries Land Trust Visit

2011-04-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Peaks and Prairies Land Trust board of directors for inviting me to Billings to give a presentation about the Montana Association of Land Trusts and Travelers for Open Land. Best of luck to your organization.

Skiers for Open Land Event Was Wonderful

2011-04-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

Big Sky Resort played host to Skiers and Riders for Open Land on April 9-10 and by all measurements the event was a “wonderful” success. Several hundred people turned in Skiers and Riders for Open Land coupons, the skiing conditions were fabulous, the spaghetti dinner was fun and well attended and for an inaugural event Skiers and Riders for Open Land succeeded at every level. Thanks to Big Sky Resort, Buck's T-4 Lodge and everyone who helped and participated.

Gazette Prints Skiers for Open Land Article

2011-04-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

Billings Gazette gave Skiers and Riders for Open Land a short blurb in today's paper. More snow falling at Big Sky with predictions for a sunny weekend. Perfect. See you at Skiers and Riders for Open Land at Big Sky on April 9-10.
http://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/recreation/article_3311aca1-2f7b-5081-bf5f-19ce70bcf...

Bozeman's Phasmid Joins Travelers for Open Land

2011-04-05T12:20:00.001-07:00

Travelers for Open Land welcomes Phasmid to the TFOL family of participating businesses. Phasmid owner Will Casella operates out of Bozeman and rents everything you need for a Montana adventure, including vehicles, fishing and camping gear and more. Phasmid also helps create custom itineraries and can arrange for fishing guides and fishing specialists. Welcome, Will and Phasmid! http://www.phasmidrentals.com/

Join Us in Big Sky April 9-10

2011-04-04T20:14:00.001-07:00

Great skiing. $59 lift tickets at Big Sky. Spaghetti dinner, rock 'n roll and special room rates at Buck's T-4. Fun event to benefit private land conservation. It's all part of Skiers and Riders for Open Land at Big Sky on April 9-10. Check it out and join us. http://www.travelersforopenland.org/

Great Room Rates at Buck's T-4

2011-04-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

Don't forget: Special room rates at Buck's T-4 on April 8-9-10 during Skiers and Riders for Open Land at Big Sky. Call (406) 995-4111 fore details. http://www.buckst4.com/

MLR Buys Radio Ads for Skiers for Open Land

2011-04-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Montana Land Reliance for sponsoring radio ads promoting Skiers and Riders for Open Land at Big Sky on April 9-10. The ads are running all week on KMMS "The Moose" (95.1 FM) in Bozeman. Thanks MLR!

Black Diamonds Band Plays Buck's T-4 on April 9

2011-03-31T08:32:00.003-07:00

Black Diamonds band will play at a spaghetti dinner at Buck's T-4 on April 9 as part of the Skiers and Riders for Open Land at Big Sky event. The spaghetti dinner starts at 6:00 PM, and both the spaghetti dinner and reduced lift ticket prices during Skiers and Riders for Open Land benefit Travelers for Open Land http://www.travelersforopenland.org/ .