FVLT Rock Creek Confluence Project

Five Valleys Land Trust purchased the historic Corra Ranch at the confluence of Rock Creek and the Clark Fork River, preserving the scenic gateway to Rock Creek forever, and ensuring that wild trout continue to swim upstream to their traditional spawning beds. The land acquisition is an enormous step forward in ongoing private and public conservation efforts to protect vital habitat along Rock Creek, a legendary stream that is regarded by many as one of the finest blue ribbon trout streams in the United States.

Gallatin Valley Land Trust's Trail Efforts "Invaluable"

Gallatin Valley Land Trust and the Bozeman-area community celebrated the area's popular recreation trails system during the June 21 Longest Day of Trails event. GVLT has been instrumental in building and maintaining the local trails system. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/environment/article_364c075e-daf4-11e2-8bb4-0019bb2963f4.html

Prickly Pear Land Trust Working to Create More Fishing Access

Prickly Pear Land Trust is working with FWP on a project to conserve open land and create more recreational access. This is a great project for the Helena Valley. http://helenair.com/news/local/fwp-accepting-comments-on-proposed-donation-of-acres-on-prickly/article_2c19d9d2-db76-11e2-950b-001a4bcf887a.html

Economy of Ecology

A recent report by Headwaters Economics, a Bozeman-based nonprofit, found that Western rural counties with more than 30 percent of their land safeguarded as national parks, federal wilderness, or national forests collectively increased job creation at a rate four times greater than rural counties with no federally protected lands:
 
http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/economy_of_ecology/34034/

TPL and Stoltze Conserve Working Forest, Water Supply

The Trust for Public Land and Stoltze Land & Lumber Company are working to conserve a working forest at Haskill Basin, which will protect the City of Whitefish water supply. Lots of support for a great project. http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_2134e61c-d953-11e2-a425-001a4bcf887a.html (File Forest Photo) 

Continuing Blackfoot Agricultural Legacy

Thanks to the folks in the Blackfoot Valley for their commitment to Montana agriculture and land conservation. http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/ranching-families-help-conserve-lands-in-blackfoot-valley/article_672c39b0-d88e-11e2-9c2e-0019bb2963f4.html

Cheers to Gallatin Valley Land Trust

Cheers to Gallatin Valley Land Trust for their role--with Bozeman Deaconess Hospital and the city of Bozeman--in the Highland Glen Nature Preserve trail system, in this letter to the editor:

http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/article_01fff29e-d1e4-11e2-b3da-0019bb2963f4.html?mode=story

Window Clings Now Available for TFOL Supporters

Travelers for Open Land now has window clings available for supporters! If your business participates in TFOL and you'd like a supply for your customers or guests who make a donation, please call Kelli at (406) 442-0490 today!

Rich Ranch Shares a Passion for Open Land

Last week I had a fantastic lunch and visit with Jack and Belinda Rich at Rich Ranch in Seeley Lake. They're proud supporters of Travelers for Open Land on their guest ranch. It was inspiring to hear Jack talk about how strongly he feels about sharing his passion for open space with their guests from around the world.

Here's a pic of Jack and Belinda with the TFOL sign at the entry to their ranch house.

Our Land is Our Currency

Jeff Welch, president of MercuryCSC in Bozeman, writes that an organization named Businesses for Montana Outdoors supports "common sense" public policy that conserves an important economic asset: our open land. http://mtstandard.com/news/opinion/editorial/protect-land-mont-s-currency/article_9a28d7b8-d1a6-11e2-b876-0019bb2963f4.html

Rich Ranch Continues to Support Travelers for Open Land

It's a great day for a drive to Rich Ranch in Seeley Lake to visit with owners Jack and Belinda Rich. They and their family are great supporters of Travelers for Open Land!
http://www.richranch.com/

Gallatin Valley Land Trust Thanks Harry Armstrong

Peter Brown of Gallatin Valley Land Trust writes a guest column in the Bozeman Chronicle that discusses the delicate nature of recreational access and the thoughtful commitment of landowners like Harry Armstrong to their land, their families, their properties and to Montanans.
http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/article_8735948a-cc64-11e2-84d1-0019bb2963f4.html

Gallatin Valley Land Trust Working on New Trail

Gallatin Valley Land Trust is working on a new single-track trail in Bozeman. A Chronicle article Chronicle article describes the trail as suitable for year-round activities including hiking, biking and Nordic skiing. Penelope Pierce, GVLT executive director, is seen here in a Chronicle photo at the proposed trailhead at Ellis Street and Kagy Boulevard. 

Tour of the Bitterroot Cycling Event Provides "Big Economic Boost"

Bitter Root Land Trust's July 21 Tour of the Bitterroot cycling event is touted as a "big economic boost to the Bitterroot Valley. 
"http://ravallirepublic.com/lifestyles/recreation/article_c242235a-ca56-11e2-a663-001a4bcf887a.html