GVLT has partnered with Rob Forstenzer to conserve his 546-acre Ferry Creek Ranch in Park County northeast of Livingston.

Amaltheia Organic Dairy received preliminary approval to use more than $550,000 in taxpayer dollars to help purchase its leased acreage in exchange for placing the farm into a conservation easement to preserve it in perpetuity.

All eyes are on us, the West is watching what we do, and maybe more importantly, what we don’t do. What will the headlines say about what happened to paradise and the people who had the chance to save it?

Outdoor enthusiasts can now explore the expanded Painted Hills and Highland Glen trail system southeast of Bozeman, featuring 1.5 miles of new trails and a 10-car parking lot.

Over 2,200 acres of farmland near Gallatin Gateway will remain protected from development after the Kamps family finalized a conservation easement with GVLT.

Bumblewood Thicket Fairy Village blends art and nature, welcoming thousands to Bozeman trails with whimsical creations, inspiring joy and connection.

Nearly 1,600 acres of farmland between Three Forks and Manhattan will remain undeveloped.

The Gallatin Valley Land Trust hit its goal of 90,000 miles and then some during the 9th Annual Summer Trails Challenge, with trail-goers logging 97,408 miles.

Discover the heartwarming journey of Give Big Gallatin Valley, uniting neighbors for a decade of generosity, empowerment, and community resilience.

Discover the legacy of Gallatin Valley Land Trust, preserving Montana's beauty for over 30 years. Explore partnerships, projects, and community impact.

That answer may be different for just about everyone, but no matter how we look at it, everyone has the right to live in a community where people can thrive, grow, and live healthy lives.

We are optimistic the future of this valley can include large blocks of protected open space, wildlife habitat, farm and ranch land, and healthy rivers—AND a walkable, livable urban core for our growing community.

Land conservation does not end with the establishment of a conservation easement; it is just the beginning of a long-term partnership between a landowner and GVLT, and a perpetual effort to maintain each property for its conservation values.

Nearly a decade ago, GVLT and Haven collaborated on a project that came to fruition earlier this month, one which promises to make our community better.

Arthur Blank established a conservation easement on his 8,800-acre Paradise Valley Ranch in partnership with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust.

Simply put, a conservation easement is a tool that helps Montana farm and ranch lands stay farm and ranch lands.

“The point of the program was to work with willing landowners to keep agricultural lands in agriculture, while also protecting water quality, open space, and wildlife habitat,” said Barb Cestero, who worked on the 2000 bond campaign.

Our community can feel extra jolly this holiday season because four conservation projects received approval for funding through the Gallatin County Open Lands Program.

Gallatin County’s Open Lands Program, and the property tax levy that helps fund it, will help achieve the goal of keeping as much of the area as possible free from development.

Every spring, our Stewardship team is preparing for a busy season of visiting with every landowner who has worked with GVLT to conserve land throughout our region.