Open Land Is In Our Blood

Ron Marcoux and granddaughter Bromley Maharg treasure Montana open land. "Montana open land: it defines who we are and what we are. We – the authors of this article – are connected by blood, a grandfather and granddaughter, and we are connected to Montana’s great outdoors through affection, appreciation and admiration." 
Mark Mesenko photo.
http://missoulian.com/…/article_801c166b-b908-531f-b1a2-440…

Land and Water Conservation Fund is Valuable to Montana

Montana conservation, timber and outdoor recreation groups explain why the Land and Water Conservation Fund is valuable to Montana. http://mtpr.org/…/lwcf-supporters-detail-programs-benefits-…

Flathead Land Trust Helps Improve River Riparian Health

A group of volunteers including Flathead Land Trust is helping improve the riparian health of the Flathead River. The effort is part of the Flathead River to Lake Initiative.
http://flatheadbeacon.com/…/volunteers-help-restore-land-a…/

Helena Salutes Andy Baur

Helena celebrated Andy Baur Day on May 18, to salute the former Prickly Pear Land Trust leader. http://helenair.com/…/article_35903f64-7a8f-5261-adf9-64bdc…

Vital Ground Foundation Names Ryan Lutey New Executive Director

Congratulations to Ryan Lutey, new executive director of The Vital Ground Foundation. http://www.vitalground.org/vital-ground-appoints-ryan-lut…/…

Aerial View of Missoula South Hills Spur

Here's a drone's-eye view of the Five Valleys Land Trust exciting South Hills Spur project near Missoula. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fDnsKSENz4&feature=youtu.be

Five Valleys Land Trust Officially Launches Missoula South Hills Spur Project

Here's an exciting new conservation and trails opportunity in the South Hills near Missoula. One of the major announcements - and key fundraising touchstones - at the Five Valleys Land Trust banquet on May 9 was a potential breakthrough on a project FVLT has been working on for over a decade. From the Missoulian article on May 10: Years of negotiations may bring a crucial spur of Dean Stone Mountain into Missoula’s network of conservation lands. That could open a trail to a unique vista over the valley from the city’s otherwise highly privatized South Hills.
http://missoulian.com/…/article_1508b820-e31b-5011-959a-001…

'Welcome to Montana' Highway Signs Help Fundraise for Open Land

Five Valleys Land Trust in Missoula held its annual spring banquet and auction on May 9 and had a fabulous night. Thanks to the great community support, FVLT had (by far) its best fundraising banquet ever. And two of these 'Welcome to Montana' highway signs sold for $10,500 each, with all proceeds earmarked for Montana private land conservation. Outstanding!

Don't Fence Me In Run Takes Off on May 9

One of Montana's best trail runs is set for Saturday, May 9.
http://helenair.com/…/article_cdc2ecb1-f6ae-5aad-a09d-bca78…

Welcome to Montana Highway Signs Auctioned for Conservation

Remember these signs? They welcomed home a generation of Montanans, as well as welcomed a generation of visitors to Montana. These signs have been decommissioned, but you have a special opportunity to purchase one of these rare Montana treasures. Proceeds from the sale of the sign will fund open land conservation and Travelers for Open Land. Check out the Five Valleys Land Trust May 9 Banquet and Action at http://www.fvlt.org/…/63/82/A-Selection-of-Live-Auction-It…/

Enjoy a Flathead Bike and Bird Trip May 16

Join Flathead Land Trust on a bike and bird trip in the Smith Valley on Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 AM to noon. Other hosts are Flathead Audubon, Rails to Trails, Bike Saturdays and the Flathead River to Lake Initiative. The bike route is about 8.5 miles around the Smith Lake Waterfowl Production Area highlighting conservation projects that expand the protection of the wetland complex and important migratory bird habitat. For trip details contact Please Laura Katzman of Flathead Land Trust at 752-8293 or lkatzman@bigsky.net.