were deeply concerned about changes to their local landscape as private timberlands were sold off piecemeal for
development. For counties, development brought new costs
for roads and fire protection along with the loss of jobs and
taxes as land was taken out of sustainable timber production. Development within
national forests made it hard
to manage land for wildlife
preservation and watershed
protection. And private
homeowners were likely to
block access to lands that
Plum Creek had kept open
to public recreation.
In the ten years leading
up to the Montana Legacy
Project, TPL conserved nearly
25,000 acres in the valley. But MAR TIN HOREJSI
what was really needed was a comprehensive conservation
solution for the broader ecosystem. The partnership between
TPL and TNC is an effort to forge that solution.
To date, the Montana Legacy Project has acquired for
protection more than 240,000 acres. The 111,740 acres
acquired in February were purchased using federal funds
championed by Montana Senator Max Baucus within the
2008 Farm Bill. This land will be conveyed to the Forest
Service over the next few years, improving its ability to manage
its lands for fire protection, sustainable timber management,
and public use. Other project lands will likely be purchased by
the State of Montana, with the remainder protected by conservation easements and sold to private buyers. Much of the land
is in timber that will be harvested in a sustainable manner,
helping support local economies. TPL and TNC plan to
acquire the final 70,000 acres in December 2010.
To view a Montana Legacy slideshow and for information
on all TPL’s work in Montana, go to www.tpl.org/montana.
CHARLES BARTELBAUGH
CONSERVATION INITIATIVES OF
THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND
PARKS FOR PEOPLE
Working in cities and suburbs across America to ensure
that everyone—in particular, every child—enjoys access
to a park, playground, or open space.
WORKING LANDS
Protecting farms, ranches, and forests to preserve
land-based livelihoods and the unique character of
rural communities.
NATURAL LANDS
Conserving places of natural beauty that preserve
the wilderness experience for generations to come.
HERITAGE LANDS
Protecting places of historic and cultural importance that
define our communities and who we are as a people.
LAND & WATER
Protecting lands that preserve water quality and the
natural beauty of our coasts and rivers.
