Several years ago The Nature Conservancy of Montana was alerted that one of the most significant ranches on the Rocky Mountain Front was advertising small, subdivided parcels for sale. After meeting with the fifth-generation ranching family, it quickly became clear that they did not want to sell any land but were facing tough times. They needed funds to expand their operation to become more economically viable.

Given this family’s remarkable legacy of stewardship, the Conservancy offered an option: We would purchase a conservation easement over the ranch, thereby allowing the family to continue ranching on their land while permanently conserving
some of the most intact prairie, wetlands and grizzly habitat on the entire Front.

The Dellwos accepted the Conservancy’s offer, solving two important problems at once.

Their situation is far from unique. A poor agricultural economy and escalating land values continue to threaten the livelihood of family farms and ranches all over Montana. As these lands become fragmented due to development pressures, the integrity of the land and its abundant wildlife is compromised.

For this reason, the Conservancy is working to help keep good stewards on the land. We are working with local communities to conserve Montana’s most special places in ways that promote the continued productivity of working lands.

Our timing is critical. While some of Big Sky Country has been lost to development, much still remains. Unlike other states, we still have the opportunity to conserve the wild and rural character that makes Montana different from any other place.