TNC - Plum Creek Agree on Major Conservation Transaction

The Nature Conservancy and Plum Creek Timber reach agreement on a 117,000-acre, $134 million conservation transaction in the Blackfoot Valley - Seeley Lake area. (Missoulian Photo) http://missoulian.com/news/local/plum-creek-to-sell-acres-at-placid-lake-gold-creek/article_2018a5e8-1094-587c-be56-6fe6bb6ef3e1.html

Elk Foundation Helps Secure Hunting Access Near Dillon

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and partners have secured permanent access to over 40,000 acres of public land southwest of Dillon.
http://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/recreation/easement-guarantees-access-to-public-lands/article_ceee0c06-c10f-5fe1-9f10-fc0f353b346f.html

Gallatin Valley Land Trust Improves Dog-Friendly Trail

Gallatin Valley Land Trust works to improve and expand the dog-friendly Snowfill Recreation area in Bozeman.
http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/environment/dog-friendly-recreation-area-gets-new-trail/article_d7b81d90-5b08-11e4-95b9-abef471ea2bb.html?utm_medium=desktop&utm_source=block_649307&utm_campaign=blox

Elk Foundation Helps USFS Acquire Key Parcel Near Townsend

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and a group of partners helped the Helena National Forest acquire important property that helps conserve wildlife habitat, protect fisheries and expand recreational access. http://helenair.com/news/local/townsend-ranch-dedicated-to-helena-national-forest/article_d68bbbdb-1842-591c-b5ee-efdcc7227a2f.html

Fish and Wildlife Commission Endorses Channel Migration Easements

Channel migration easements, a concept that would allow more movement of rivers and diminish riprap, have been endorsed by Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission. 
http://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/recreation/new-easement-program-would-allow-yellowstone-river-to-roam/article_24456304-c086-5a66-a872-70b6427ecf4b.html

Five Valleys Land Trust Board Member Honored

Congratulations to Jim Cusker, Five Valleys Land Trust board member, for earning the Burk/Brandborg Award, and to Wendy Ninteman for the excellent comments. 
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/musician-clouse-clark-fork-coalition-s-knudsen-others-get-conservation/article_7a9e91b6-5662-11e4-8506-877663850e6d.html

Flathead Land Trust Seeks Community Comments on Conservation Plan

Flathead Land Trust is hosting a community meeting in Kalispell on Oct. 15 to gather comments on the land trust's conservation plan. http://flatheadbeacon.com/2014/10/06/flathead-land-trust-planning-future-conservation-efforts/

Gallatin Valley Land Trust is Working to Expand Bozeman Trails System

Gallatin Valley Land Trust is helping lead a community discussion about expanding and improving the already great Bozeman trails system. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/city/community-meeting-today-on-bozeman-s-path-to-the-m/article_3a69d9ae-4e77-11e4-a3a6-af3d69eaa4c9.html?utm_medium=desktop&utm_source=block_647669&utm_campaign=blox

Blackfoot Challenge: Conservation of Natural Resources and the Rural Way of Life

The Blackfoot Challenge: 20 years of "Neighboring Up" for community and landscape conservation.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/outdoors/2014/10/01/blackfoot-challenge-celebrates-years-conservation/16565635/

Five Valleys Land Trust Works for Missoula Outdoor Recreation

Five Valleys Land Trust is working on a great conservation and outdoor recreation project near Missoula. 
http://missoulian.com/news/local/marshall-mountain-land-transfer-preserves-recreation-potential/article_8e29f35a-4c36-11e4-ab65-bb24d61740f5.html

Hike and Be Happy

Take a hike...and smile. http://www.outsideonline.com/news-from-the-field/Study-Hiking-Makes-You-Happier.html

Blackfoot Challenge Celebrates 20 Years of Service to Blackfoot Valley

Congratulations to the Blackfoot Challenge for 20 years of community conservation. The Challenge is celebrating the milestone on Oct. 4 with a banquet at Paws Up Resort west of Clearwater Junction.