CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP

We’re Committed to Partnering With Landowners

Conservation easements are a long-term partnership between landowners and GVLT. Together, we share a responsibility to protect the land for generations to come.

The landowner is responsible for the day-to-day management of the land and enjoys the rights of ownership. GVLT is responsible for annually monitoring the property to ensure the provisions of the easement and the vision of the original landowner are honored in perpetuity.

Dedicated to value-added stewardship, our Stewardship team seeks to build trusting, collaborative relationships with our landowners. We are committed to listening to your needs and seeking opportunities to share our knowledge of current land and resource management practices, as well as connecting you with local experts and funding sources to enhance the conservation values of your land.

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Landowner Resources

Below are some of the most common natural resource concerns. Please email GVLT Stewardship Director Jeremy Puckett if you have questions about best practices or would like additional information about grants, cost-share programs, or local contractors who could help with land management projects.

Southwest Montana’s iconic wildlife is central to the character of our landscape, but for those managing working lands, it can also present unique challenges. Balancing agricultural operations with the natural movement of native species often requires creative solutions. Whether you’re looking to modify existing fences to reduce seasonal maintenance or seek strategies to minimize livestock-wildlife conflict, there are expert resources and funding opportunities available to help. Explore the links below or connect with our Stewardship team to get started.
- Wildlife Management and Conflict Mitigation – Montana State University Extension: Aggregation of management resources for a variety of wildlife.
- Wildlife-Friendly Fence Modification and Construction – Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
- Virtual Fence Resource Guide – Greater Yellowstone Coalition: Landowner guide for virtual fencing for livestock, including benefits, limitations, and funding.
- Montana Beaver Conflict Resolution Program – National Wildlife Federation: Assistance and information for landowners managing beavers on their property.
- Carnivore Conflict Reduction Program – Heart of the Rockies Initiative: Collaborative organization connecting landowners with resources to support carnivore conflict prevention.
- Wildlife Friendly Fencing Program – National Parks Conservation Association: Wildlife-friendly fencing funds and resources for landowners specifically in the Paradise and Madison Valleys.
‍Healthy forests are a defining feature of Montana’s landscape. These ecosystems face increasing pressure from drought, insect infestation, and wildfire. Explore the resources below to access technical guides and identify the latest available funding opportunities to support your stewardship goals. Our team is available to answer questions regarding current grant cycles and project implementation.
- Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) Forest Stewardship Program: A state resource hub for private forest land management.
- DNRC Service Foresters and Directory of Consulting Foresters: Get connected with a resource professional who can assist you with forest management.
- Aspen Enhancement: Conifer Control – Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF): A best management practice guide detailing aspen stand enhancement and control of conifer encroachment.
- Gallatin County Emergency Management: Home risk assessments and mitigation funding programs for Gallatin County residents.
- Fire Safe Montana: Education, planning, and funding information for a fire-safe Montana.
- Living With Fire: Easy-to-read homeowner’s guide to understanding wildfire risk.
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) TIPs: Connect with your local NRCS Service Center and explore the Targeted Implementation Plans available in your area that may offer technical assistance and financial support for fuel reduction projects and other forest management activities.
Landscapes are ever evolving. Restoring or maintaining habitats, from riparian corridors to perennial pastures, is a natural next step after making the decision to conserve a property. Multiple local, state, and federal agencies offer cost-share programs and technical assistance for landowners who are interested in initiating small- or large-scale habitat enhancement projects on their property. For conservation easement landowners, please consult with a member of the Stewardship staff before implementing a habitat restoration plan to ensure alignment with your property’s conservation easement.
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) TIPs: Connect with your local NRCS Service Center and explore the Targeted Implementation Plans available in your area that may offer technical assistance and financial support for landscape restoration and habitat enhancement activities.
- Montana Conservation Seedling Nursery – Department of Natural Resources & Conservation: Native plants and seeds available at reduced cost for qualifying conservation, restoration, and preservation projects.
- Restoring Grasslands: Tackling Conifer Encroachment – Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: A best management practice guide detailing control of conifer encroachment as a tool for restoring grasslands.
- Explore your local county resources pages for current opportunities in your area:
  - Gallatin Conservation District Resources. Includes pollinator program resources and a cost-share opportunity.
  - Gallatin County Extension Office
  - Park Conservation District
  - Park County Extension
  - Madison County Conservation District
  - Madison County Extension Office
Water is arguably the most vital resource for any western landowner. Effectively managing and developing water resources is essential for maintaining agricultural productivity and ecological integrity. A variety of resources are listed below to assist landowners in water stewardship, from upgrading irrigation infrastructure to implementing stream restoration projects that enhance aquatic habitats. Our Stewardship team is available to help you navigate these resources or discuss potential project partnerships.
Natural systems
- Gallatin Watershed Council Riparian Planting Guide: Landscape guide for riparian ecosystems in southwest Montana.
- Gallatin Watershed Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration Planning Guide: Guide for using low-tech processes to increase water on the landscape.
- Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) Stream Permitting Information: Learn which permit(s) may be required for your project on or near a waterway.
- 310 Permits are required for any project that may physically modify or alter a perennially flowing stream or river. Reach out to your local Conservation District office (Gallatin, Park, Madison) for more information and to apply for a 310 Permit.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Hazard Layer Viewer: Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood map.
Agriculture and Irrigation
- Water Rights Query System: DNRC search system for water rights throughout Montana.
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) TIPs: Connect with your local NRCS Service Center and explore the Targeted Implementation Plans available in your area that may offer technical assistance and financial support for agricultural water enhancement activities.
Invasive and noxious weeds, along with other pests, significantly impact the daily operations of Montana’s farmers, ranchers, and private landowners. These dominant species can rapidly outcompete native vegetation, alter the landscape’s natural resilience, and reduce its value for both livestock and wildlife. Managing these infestations is an ongoing challenge. Please explore the links below for technical guidance and to identify available financial assistance. For specific questions, contact a member of our Stewardship team.
- Gallatin County Weed District,‍ Madison County Weed District, Park County Weed District: Explore the resources, including cost-share and equipment rental opportunities, offered by your local weed district.
- Grow Wild: A robust local resource hub including information about free site visits, herbicide applicator directory, and cost-share programs.
- Invasive Grass Species Management – Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: A best management practice guide detailing invasive grass species identification, control, and monitoring.
- Montana Noxious Weed Information: A guide to all listed Montana noxious weeds and their priority status.
- Montana State University (MSU) Schutter Diagnostic Lab: MSU diagnostic lab offering invasive species identification services.
- Montana Department of Agriculture – Vertebrate Pest Program: Vertebrate pest management guidance.