2020 ann ual re port g n i b m a L n h o J our mission

The Montana Land Reliance (MLR) partners with private landowners to permanently protect agricultural lands, fish and wildlife habitat, and open space.

The immediate accomplishments of MLR’s conservation work are measured in acres of land protected and miles of streambank preserved.

The lasting benefits of MLR’s work are the perpetuation of a lifestyle and an economy that rely on responsibly managed private land and the increasingly valuable Montana open spaces that will continue to nourish the spirit of future generations. the important work continues

It is inarguable that 2020 was a year like no The pandemic has led to a renewed awareness You will also read other. Families, communities, and businesses among the public of how important open space and about Jeff Shryer, around Montana were upended by the COVID-19 conserved lands are for mental and physical health of Bozeman, MLR’s pandemic. All of our lives were impacted. And yet, and a recognition that we need to continue to Conservation Award the important work of The Montana Land Reliance secure more of these lands for future generations. recipient. Jeff’s life (MLR) continued. I am extremely proud of the and work is dedicated to the conservation of way that the board and staff of MLR handled the The land MLR works to protect has a tremendous land and resources both in Montana and around uncertainties we faced daily, both organizationally capacity to heal, foster wellness, and bring people the world. I think you will find his story to be and personally, while continuing to protect the together. Open lands and outdoor spaces are remarkable and admirable, reflecting values agricultural and open lands of Montana. necessary for the health and well-being of all worth striving to emulate in our own lives. Montana communities. In 2020, Montanans and In 2020, MLR closed on 25 conservation visitors from across the nation got outside in record Due to the pandemic, the MLR staff and board easements, adding 33,811 new acres, which is on numbers and enjoyed the amazing natural wonders were not able to meet in person for most of 2020 pace to realize MLR’s long-term vision of helping of our state, through hiking, hunting, fishing, and we missed seeing each other’s faces on a landowners protect an additional one million acres and watching the sunset over wide-open spaces. regular basis. I look forward to the day that we can by 2040. These additional acres pushed MLR to meet again in person. In 2021, we will continue 1,170,937 total acres conserved across Montana. In this annual report, we celebrate the to face economic, social, and public health We also saw an increase in dollars available to people and the places that demonstrate the challenges in our communities and around the protect sage grouse habitat and native grasslands in strength and resilience of our organization. nation, as more people move to Montana to find central and eastern Montana. This funding helps You will read a profile of the Sieben Live Stock peace in open landscapes. This will make the work farmers and ranchers stay on the land and protect Company, one of the largest conservation MLR does even more essential – a fact that I hope working lands in these critical habitats. easements ever completed in Montana. If there will provide our donors, landowners, partners, was ever a success story about conservation and supporters some solace and inspiration. MLR was able to complete consequential projects easements in our great state, it is the story of in the places that Montanans cherish, under the Sieben Live Stock Company. As we move into 2021, MLR will continue to be unprecedented circumstances, while respecting an outstanding example of how progress on the health and safety of our staff and our easement Theo and Lisa Wright, of Lewistown, are critical issues like land conservation can be made donors. This speaks to the competency and the recipients of the 2020 William F. Long even during the hardest of times. drive of our staff and I would have expected Conservation Award, MLR’s award given to nothing less. Although the year was challenging, landowners who have protected critical bird I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to you, it illuminated the resilience and strength of habitat. Theo and Lisa, avid bird hunters, our supporters, donors, and advisors, who are our organization and the enduring value of our have spent their time and resources to improve building a lasting legacy in Montana for current mission to permanently protect agricultural their property near Grass Range for upland and future generations. lands, fish and wildlife habitat, and open space. birds, livestock grazing, and crop production, leaving the place much better than they found it. – George Olsen, MLR Board President

1 he events of 2020 touched MLR’s success continues to be realized through work that has been taking place since 1978. the lives of every American Building relationships one family at a time, to in a myriad of unexpected protect agricultural lands, fish and wildlife habitat, T and open space. ways. Families, communities, governing bodies, businesses, and Every acre of working land, mile of streambank, non-profit organizations were and view of open space was protected through the partnership of like-minded individuals. confronted with an uncertain future. This work is accomplished through early morning conversations in pickup trucks and discussions The year tested all of us, individually around kitchen tables; by time spent together and as a community, and challenged on one of Montana’s blue-ribbon trout streams; and with a collective understanding that the us at The Montana Land Reliance stewardship that is done today will protect these (MLR) to adapt and move forward special places for future generations.

while continuing to fulfill our For MLR, 2020 has shown the strength of the mission – a mission that became communities we serve, while also illuminating challenges for land conservation in Montana. even more important with the More than 34,000 acres of rangeland every year changes Montana has experienced are converted to some type of development, with over the last year and will most a total of 1.3 million acres in Montana converted in the last 20 years. In the next 10 years, it is likely continue to experience expected that the population of Montana will grow into 2 021. 14%, with the main growth happening in sensitive ecoregions like the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) and the Flathead Valley. In addition, Montana saw an unexpected spike in population growth during the pandemic, with new residents Stillwater Valley seeking places with fewer people and more and Beartooth opportunities for outdoor recreation. Mountains in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

2 2020 EASEMENT ACREAGE BY HABITAT TYPE

Crop/Hay/Pasture 11,559

Range/Forest 22,252

Elk Habitat 12,234

Wetlands 1,260

Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem 6,114

Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem 672 e g a v a S

n o s a J

3 2020 easements

Since 1978, The Montana 1 Custer Battlefield 2,329 Land Reliance has worked Preservation Committee, Inc. 2 Bliss, Aaron D. & Dava D. Bliss 1,539 with private landowners 3 Bliss, Brandon David 320 all across Montana to meet 4 Bliss, Whitney J. 320 their conservation goals, 5 Bliss Farms Partnership 3,768 including the protection 6 Brander, Linda 60 of major watersheds critical 7 Madison Valley 925 Garden Ranch, LLC to agriculture and wildlife 8 Cold Springs Ranch 426 habitat. Montana, LLC 9 Thornberg Lake, LLC 672 10 Double AA Corporation 1,326 11 Dreaming Fields, LLC 1,265 1, 170,937 acres of 12 Hardy, Christopher B. 57 ecologically, agriculturally, & Judith Hutchins and historically important 13 Joronen, Michael & Leslie Joronen 158 land, and 1,880 miles of 14 Kalsta Ranch, Co. 1,031 streambank, are now 15 KGK, LLC 72 16 Estate of Richard S. Kice 46 protected under MLR’s 922 17 Little Belt Land, LLC 3,251 conservation easements. 18 Lewis, Marcus L. & Terry L. 3,450 19 Musselshell Retreat, LLC 533 20 Schatz, Greg P. & Deborah A. 240 21 Paul T. Smith Ranches, Inc. 3,655 Paul B. Smith Tresa V. Smith 22 SRI River Holdings, LLC 4,362 23 Stout, Richard O. & Janet P. 805 24 Tompkins, E. Allen 510 25 Watson, Lorraine E. 2,691 e g total acres: 33, 811 a v a S Near Ennis n o s a J

4 M 15 Ko ilk oten 9 M ai arias 5 4 3 12 2 Teton 25

S d un 20 Misso a uri e

h t S a l w

F a n

18 h t t i Clark lackfoo d Fo B u rk S J m

i t h

t

o o C r la 6 r rk e F 17 t o t rk i Musse B lshell 24 19 Yellowstone 16 21 13

Bi 11 g Ho n le so r e n ff o e s J i d a 8 14 M n 1 r 10 r e e o u d r g n h w i e g n o i o d 7 t d P a a l 23 B T e l u h l r 22 a o e G B v R a u e b B y

Ecosystems Acreage Conserved by County MLR Easement 1–10,000 Northern Northern Major Watershed Continental Great Plains 10,001–25,000 Divide 25,001–50,000 Blue- and Red-ribbon More than 50,000 Trout Streams Greater Yellowstone

5 Looking ahead, MLR remains committed to its long-term goal of helping landowners protect another million acres by 2040. MLR believes that the trends we are seeing in Montana are an opportunity to help even more landowners conserve working lands and wide-open spaces for years to come.

The things MLR focuses on will not change. MLR will ensure it has the capacity to do the work. MLR will earn the trust of new landowners and keep the trust of existing landowners. MLR will continue to focus on the lands that matter most in the landscapes under the greatest threat of development. MLR will continue to develop strong partnerships and will continue to steward conserved lands to ensure they benefit all of us in perpetuity. MLR will continue to be a leader in the land trust community and will remain one of the top-performing land trusts in the country.

As MLR looks to the future, we also reflect back on the largest conservation easement ever donated to MLR by the Sieben Live Stock Company. It is important to celebrate and learn from those in our MLR family who have found success for both their business and the land through conservation easements, innovative partnerships, land m

o management practices, and enthusiasm and c . s

e heart for what they do. n o j m d l a n o d Green-winged Teal Smith River

6 WATERSHED PROTECTION m o c . a i d e M n o i t a

Total Miles v r e of Streambank s n o

Protected C

. C L

1,880 L

, a i d e M

n o i t a v r e s n o C

, s t r e b o R

y

20 m e r e J

7 PRIVATE LAND PROTECTION

Total Conservation Easement Acreage

1, 170,937

For five generations, the Hibbard family e g has raised sheep and cattle in the a v a shadows of the Little Belt Mountains. S

20 n o s a J

8 profile sieben live stock company the family

The Hibbard family is well known in both “I distinctly remember being at my mom and dad’s “Because I knew what I wanted to do, I approached agricultural and non-agricultural circles in Montana house in Helena and I really wanted to go to the my development with that thought. What did I for a good reason. Generations of the family have ranch for the weekend, but they told me we weren’t need to do to make our ranch an exciting, viable, prioritized working in partnership with organizations, going to be able to go. I remember sitting on the successful operation that people want to be a part government agencies, and most importantly, each stairs and I was upset. All I remember thinking is, of, our own family included. From an early age, other, in order to fulfill their mission of having a ‘but I need that place,’” Cooper explained. “I realized that’s what I knew; I had to use those metrics successful operation while protecting and improving that was the most important thing in my life.” to measure success,” Cooper said. their land.

In non-Covid years, MLR visits with easement donors, in person and on their land, often meeting with the entire family, and spends hours talking to people about their places and their work. There is no substitute for putting boots on the ground to get a sense of a place and the people that love it. There is nothing quite like hearing the joy in people’s voices as they talk about their land and share what makes their place special to them. Hearing the stories that a piece of equipment or a certain part of their ranch sparks in their minds.

However, when Cooper Hibbard, the fifth generation of his family to manage the Sieben Live Stock Company alongside his uncle, Chase Hibbard, was interviewed about their family ranch, he was extremely good at painting the picture over the phone.

One of the things young ranchers are often asked is

d when they knew they wanted to continue in the family r a b business. Most know that they want to ranch when b i H

l they are pretty young, and so did Cooper. l a h s r a M

9 profile sieben live stock company the ranch

In 1868, Henry Sieben founded the Sieben Live Stock Company. Henry Sieben was 17 years old when he sought out his destiny in Montana alongside his brother. He hunted, trapped, and freighted supplies from Fort Benton, Montana and Corinne, Utah, to Montana mining camps. Later, he saw a future in raising sheep and cattle and bought land and water rights in various parts of Montana until he finally ended up with two ranches at the turn of the century – one in the Adel Basin e

and another outside of Helena. g a v a S

n

For five generations, the o s a

company has been owned by J the Hibbard family, (who are descendants of Henry Sieben’s daughter), and they raise sheep and cattle in the shadows of the Little Belt Mountains. The ranch lies at the headwaters of Hound Creek, which flows into the Smith River, which then flows into the Missouri River.

“When I think about this place, it’s hard not to get emotional,” Cooper stated. “I ’d say it’s undeniable to those of us that are a part of this place that it has its own heart and its own soul. It is its own living creature.”

The ranch is on a unique habitat that serves as an important wildlife corridor and is a magnet for a variety

of native species. The ranch adjoins the Beartooth Game y k s f

The ranch lies at the headwaters Range and Whitetail Prairie, which holds thousands o g o

of Hound Creek, which flows into of elk in the winter and provides n o

B d excellent hunting opportunities.

the Smith River, which then flows s r i a x b e

into the Missouri River. l b i A H t i h W

10 e g a v a S

n o s a J

It features grassland covered with wildflowers, “It’s a very special place. It’s also very harsh aspens, and mixed pine forests that teem with and very honest. Running a successful ranching wildlife, and offers sweeping mountain views. operation in this environment at this altitude with The ranch leases the game range for grazing from this sort of a growing season, there are a lot of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP). It’s a limitations that we are faced with. But at the same “super lease,” the biggest of its kind in the state. time, that’s where so much opportunity lies. If we can do it here, we can do it anywhere. We are “It’s a private-public partnership, where we graze starting to pull that off.” certain zones, do a rest rotation and high-density, “Except for maybe the winter,” Cooper laughed. short-duration grazing. The agreement is watershed- “It is an exciting, successful operation,” Cooper wise. The habitat, wildlife, and entire ecosystem Bill Long, former MLR managing director, saw the explained. “The land is willing for that to happen. have benefited from the arrangement, and now the grasslands of the Sieben Live Stock Company ranch It is honest with us about what works and range is wintering over 2,500 head of elk,” Cooper as a “short-grass Serengeti .” Bill was correct in that what doesn’t.” explained. “We now have thriving ecosystems, with assessment. There are more native grasses per acre unparalleled hunting opportunities, because of the in this area than in any other region of the state. To protect that honest and unique cooperation and good management,” Cooper noted. landscape, in 2008, 140 years after Henry Sieben “Our ranch is extremely productive for grass, which founded the ranch, the family members of the The ranch and surrounding public lands means it is also productive for both wildlife and Sieben Live Stock Company donated a 40,064-acre are home to sandhill cranes, curlews, northern sheep and cattle,” Cooper said. “They go hand and conservation easement to MLR. It is the biggest harriers, bald and golden eagles, blue grouse, hand here.” conservation easement ever donated to the land Hungarian partridges, waterfowl, pronghorn, deer, trust in its over 40-year history. elk, mountain lions, and black bear. Moose and The operation, and the Hibbard family who manage even an occasional wolf it, face many of the same challenges they did in The land ethic, as anyone can tell by their actions pass through on their the 1800s. The ranch is at a high elevation, it has over the generations, is guided by the Hibbard migrations. It pulses with short growing seasons, water challenges, and long family’s constitution, which states: life for much of the year. cold winters. We are stewards first, owners second. But, by being innovative and testing new methods, Stewardship implies a nurturing of the asset they are making it work even better than before. for a purpose greater than the individuals The ranch is productive The Hibbards have tested and implemented a variety who have control of the asset. Owners have a for grass, which means of practices including adaptive planned grazing and responsibility to add value to the land for it is also productive no-till hay farming to improve the health of their the sake of the land. In this sense, the ranch

for both wildlife and soil, increase forage quantity and quality, and reduce lays as much claim to us as we do to it. sheep and cattle. animal feed and healthcare costs.

11 profile sieben live stock company the easement

The decision to put the ranch in a conservation the family,” Cooper explained. “The family tries to “Keeping working lands working for rural easement was neither quick nor easy, every Hibbard find ways to make things a win-win for everyone.” communities is so important. We want these lands would probably agree. The family debated the idea to stay productive. Each easement can be tailored of an easement on the property for nearly a decade “Well, it’s what you learn at Ranching for Profit. to an individual’s unique circumstances. They before agreeing in 2008 to the 40,064-acre Your team has more right answers than the can be pretty darn flexible and accommodating. conservation easement held by MLR. individual itself and when you work with your It allowed us to keep this land in the family and team, every individual is better off,” Cooper continue ranching,” explained Cooper. At first, Cooper recalled, the family started looking advised. “And we all came to the conclusion that an into the easement as strictly an estate tax tool. easement was right for us and most importantly, The decision that the Hibbards made, to put their Although both Chase and Scott Hibbard served on right for the ranch.” ranch into a conservation easement with MLR, the MLR Board of Directors before the easement combined with the same decision hundreds of donation, the decision took years of conversations, It was their commitment to both the future and landowners across the state have made over estate planning, and long-range planning the past that convinced them to donate the the decades, benefits us all. These families and discussions with the whole family. conservation easement, which makes up the individuals protect Montana’s heritage, working heart of the ranch. lands, and open space for future generations, Cooper, who was in his early 20s at the time the and cumulatively have helped to make MLR one of family started considering the donation, remembers “It wasn’t just an estate tax tool, although that was the most effective land conservation organizations it being a fascinating process, one that pushed all of a great benefit to us as a family. At the end of the in the country. them to think about who they were and what was day, we valued the land as it is. The easement gave important to them. us comfort and peace of mind that this landscape The work that MLR does is rooted in the would continue in perpetuity. That is probably families and communities of Montana. Although “It brought us together as a family. It made us the biggest value the easement brought to us,” the reasons people put their land in a conservation articulate what our values are, what was important Cooper stated. easement may differ, what binds them all together to us,” Cooper recalled. “We had to get vulnerable is a deep and abiding appreciation for the land. with each other, voicing our desires and fears. The Hibbards see conservation easements We developed a new level of trust in each other.” as a powerful tool, one that every farmer and “It’s become almost sacred. This ranch is more rancher should at least look into when considering important as a whole than our needs as individuals. “In many ways, the process of deciding on whether the future of their own properties. But the easement A primary concern is to keep it that way,” Cooper or not to put a conservation easement on the wasn’t just to benefit the family, it was a way to help stated as the interview came to an end. “Now, time property was something that came naturally to keep the landscape as a working ranch and help to get back to ranching.” shape what Montana looks like in the future.

12 AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE

Total Forest/Range Acres Protected

972 ,334

20

Total Crop/Hay/ Pasture Acres Protected 198, 603

The conservation easement e g was a way to help keep the a v a landscape as a working ranch. S

20 n o s a J

13 2020 conservation award jeff shryer

Jeff Shryer’s love of land and wildlife and Siberia. He conducted wildlife inventories, conservation all began in the snow-covered plains managed wildlife refuges for the U.S. Fish and of central Nebraska where he grew up, then Wildlife Service, and helped prepare management the citrus orchards and dairy farms of southern plans for wildlife reserves around the world. California where he spent time as a teenager, and then into a professional career as a wildlife biologist Looking back on his career, Jeff attributes his and warden that took him around the world working incredible adventures and opportunities to to protect wildlife species and the habitats they enthusiasm and saying yes. He noted that, “Einstein need to thrive. said ‘we are taught to believe that our happiness is dependent on possessions and comfort, when all Jeff began his career working in the desert we really need to make us happy is enthusiasm.’” ecosystems of Nevada and California conducting research on condors and the desert tortoise. From Jeff’s life has been dedicated to stewarding the desert, he then went to Alaska to work with resources and wildlife species with dedication bear, Dall sheep, and wolves. Then an opportunity and unparalleled energy that will have a lasting to lead the first Bureau of Land Management (BLM) impact on people, wildlife, and ecosystems around Endangered Species Program in Montana brought the world. His enthusiasm for conservation and him to Miles City, where he directed research on our natural world permeates every word he says. endangered bats, raptors, and black-footed ferrets. You can’t help but get excited when you hear him talk about his work. After a stint with the BLM, Jeff traveled to Botswana look for snakes, spot birds, and explore the natural as part of the U.S. Peace Corps. He served as the But where did this love of wildlife and land world. Back then, the foothills surrounding his town director and head game warden of Chobe National conservation come from? were wild chaparral woodland. There were not yet Park, known for its large herds of elephants and housing developments eating up the land around Cape buffalo. Jeff worked with locals to protect It all started when he got a bike for Christmas. the town. threatened species from poachers and advised park Jeff recalled, “I remember my father saying, ‘I see employees on wildlife management best practices. Santa brought you a bike, now you can get a “I got hooked on being in wild places,” Jeff After Botswana, Jeff completed wildlife assignments paper route.’” explained. “Any chance I got, I escaped and went all around the world, including Madagascar, to hike and spend time outdoors. My parents were Washington D.C., New Jersey, West Virginia, The gift of the bicycle gave him two additional concerned that I wasn’t normal in junior high and Bolivia, Antarctica, Iceland, Greenland, Israel, gifts that would change his life forever: the gift of high school because I was not one to participate Sri Lanka, Australia, Galapagos Islands, China, freedom and the gift of the outdoors. With a bike, in the things normal teenagers did. I wanted to he could go to the foothills and watch wildlife, be outside.

14 And the rest, as they say, is history. Jeff is now retired, but his enthusiasm has not slowed. He continues to be an ardent supporter When Jeff moved to Miles City in 1977 to be of wildlife and land conservation in Montana. the project leader for the BLM’s first endangered Jeff is currently working closely with professors species management program in Montana, he started and researchers at Montana State University to looking around for property to purchase for both use state of the art mapping, spatial analysis, and vacationing and retirement. A co-worker told him aerial tools to identify properties in southwest about Corwin Springs, north of Yellowstone National Montana that have high levels of biodiversity. This Park. They drove out together from Miles City one identification allows MLR to prioritize protecting day and he thought, “This is it!” lands that are of high value and are in danger of “The future of conservation being subdivided and developed. Not only does and biodiversity is on After writing to landowners in the area to inquire Jeff help identify these high-value lands, but he privately held properties about purchasing some acreage, one rancher wrote also helps to fund conservation easements on him back and said he would be willing to sell him a those properties as well. where landowners have chunk of land. The 70 acres Jeff purchased in much more influence on the late 70s included an important large mammal When Jeff was asked why he decided to focus what occurs on their land.” wildlife corridor and provided Jeff with an anchor his efforts on private land conservation, he shared, point during his career that took him around the “the future of conservation and biodiversity is world. In 2018, Jeff partnered with MLR to place a on privately held properties where landowners conservation easement on this property located in have much more influence on what occurs on their Every chance I got, I went to the foothills.” the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). In 2020, land than public servants have on public lands. Jeff furthered his conservation legacy by making a I am extraordinarily grateful to have had the His mom was so worried, in fact, she took him to a planned gift to MLR. experiences I’ve had and to be able to put my psychiatrist who told her that he’d grow out of it. mind to work on protecting the resources on our “Jeff’s great focus is the protection of lands private lands. My efforts are intended to set a “Fortunately,” Jeff said with a laugh, “he was wrong.” possessing high biodiversity, and he is one of the positive example and inspire others to consider strongest believers in private land conservation that doing the same.” Not long after receiving the bike, Jeff came across I have ever known. He puts his beliefs into action,” an ad in an outdoor magazine. He remembered, Kathryn Kelly, MLR’s Greater Yellowstone manager “It said something like, ‘live a life only others can stated. “He’s always coming up with new ideas dream about, be a game warden or wildlife biologist. ’ and ways to expand knowledge of conservation That was the point where I realized maybe I could easements and encourage collaborative efforts have a career being outside with wildlife.” between organizations and agencies.”

15 2020 william f. long conservation awar d theo and lisa wright

Theo and Lisa Wright’s land ethic is simple above and beyond to improve and protect significant love to get out and watch their lab and two French but powerful: leave the land better than you found upland bird habitat in Montana. Brittanys work. Birds, bird hunting, and enjoying it. Their dedicated work to improve upland bird all that Montana’s great outdoors have to offer are habitat on their property in central Montana is why The Wrights love central Montana for many reasons, central to their interest in land conservation and The Montana Land Reliance (MLR) selected them two of which include the number of days the sun improvement. for the 2020 William F. Long Conservation Award. shines and the opportunity to hunt upland birds The award is given to landowners who have gone behind good dogs. They are avid bird hunters and For the past several decades, the Wrights have purchased underperforming parcels in Montana and have worked to improve the land’s agricultural production and wildlife habitat values. Theo explained, “Lisa and I have tried to buy properties that have been taken out of production and deteriorated over time and restore them to a higher level of production. We look for an underutilized resource. Literally, I guess, we want to make the world a better place.”

In 2002, the Wrights purchased a farm near Black Butte, east of Lewistown, Montana, that had been conserved by MLR. Theo recalled, “Lisa visited the place. She saw it as a great opportunity, an opportunity to rehab the land. Based on that one visit, we bought it.”

Theo remembered, “At the time, the land was in tough shape. The grasslands were not as productive as they could have been, weeds were a serious problem, and there wasn’t adequate water distribution for livestock.” t h g i r W

The Wright’s active wildlife a s i management plan benefits upland L birds like Hungarian partridge.

16 Over the years, the Wrights have made improvements to the farm, always leaving the land better than they found it. As part of their active wildlife management plan, they leave food plots and extensive winter cover in place to benefit upland birds; particularly sharptail grouse, Hungarian partridge, and pheasant. As part of their agricultural improvements, they put more acres into grain production annually and have moved away from crop fallow to a continuous cropping sequence. They also fence cattle out of the riparian areas and have enhanced water distribution through the development of reservoirs and a pipeline system.

The difference between when the Wrights bought the property to what it looks like now, is dramatically different. Theo noted, “It’s definitely a lot greener. It is way more productive, ecologically and agriculturally. Native grasses have been coming back. It’s also more profitable and healthier.”

Today, in addition to being a productive agricultural operation, the Wright’s farm supports herds of antelope and mule deer, and coveys of partridge and grouse. In the creek bottoms are bouquets of pheasants, whitetail deer, and puddle ducks. The number of wildlife on the farm is evidence that the Wrights have found a healthy balance between production agriculture and habitat conservation. Their thoughtful stewardship proves that farming and wildlife Two of many reasons the Wrights love their farm in central Montana:

can thrive side by side. t sunshine and hunting upland h g i birds behind good dogs. r W

a s i L

17 forever montana society

The Forever Montana Society exists to honor those who have left a lasting legacy of conservation, and to inspire others to do the same.

With perpetuity in mind, the Forever Montana Society is open to all consenting MLR easement donors and to those who have provided for MLR’s mission in their overall financial and estate plans, sustaining agricultural lands, fish and wildlife habitat, and open space for generations to come. This list recognizes those who have agreed to be listed as Forever Montana Society members.

ABN Ranch Goeddel, David & Alena Montag, Kim & Jeff Bartz, Tim & Trish Guyette, Jim & Kay Navratil, Gerald J. Berghold, Joanne & Billy Hall, Barry & Eleanor & Maryellen Bibler, Carol Hegness, Paul Perry, Joe L. & Debby L. Blanchet, Richard Henderson, Jay & Janette Pfeiffer, Steven B. Boyle, Rich & Jan Hohenlohe, Christian & Nora R.V. Ranch Co. Brander, Linda Hutchins, Judith Ringling, Rock Burke, Steve & Gretchen Kalt, Joe & Judy Gans & Bobbi Uecker Byrne, Sam & Tracey Kellogg, Dennis & Kitty Ritchey, David & Sue Chamberlin, Wayne Kelly, Francis J., MD Roth, Jane R. Conlon, Suzanne & Deloris L. Schatz, Deborah & Greg Connell, Jeanne Kelly, Kathryn Schmidt, Chester, MD Custer Battlefield Kenyon, Lynn Schutz, Jeffrey H. & Family Preservation Committee Kerkvliet, Joe, PhD Smith, Carol Dale, John & Cheryl Kiesling, Bob Smith, Michael Dietrich, Christian King, Donald & Janemarie Spanjian, Kris & Michelle Kress, Karen Bates & Ray Gilbertson Thomas G. Eppich Trust Laszlo, Jr., Andrew Talcott, Terry Frazer, Eliza & Barry Hood & Paulette Taylor, Jim & Valerie Anne Freeman, Jr., Lee A. Legg, William Thorell, Carole French, Dave & Priscilla Leuschen, David Torgrimson, Christine

Giese, Monte & Jeanna Long, Bill & Billie Miller Wilson, III, Kendrick R. m o c Gingras, Paul & Sally Mills, William A. & Ann Jackson . y h p a r g o t o

Learn more about the Forever Montana Society h p r

at mtlandreliance.org. e Clark Fork River t n e k

18 family of friends

The Montana Land Reliance thanks the individuals and Burton, Jr., Joseph J. Curtin, Paula Freeman, William H. organizations that have contributed to its success during Bush, Tim Dahl, Anne & Elizabeth Joyce Butler, Amie F. Dakin, Sarah G. Friend, Robert B. & Michelle the past year. MLR also extends thanks to those who Byrne, Sam & Tracey Dalby, Jill Galbreath, Lizanne have asked to remain anonymous. Cahill, Edward L. Dale, John S. & Cheryl L. Galvin, Christopher B. & Cynthia B. & Kathleen Mooney-Cahill Dana, Andrew C. & Susan W. Garcelon, Travis & Sophie Callander, Charles & Melanie Dana, John L. & Margo Garlick, Lawrence & Pamela easement donors individuals Campbell, Catherine S. Deveny, Tom W. Garten, David B. & Anita W. Campbell, Sara Dickinson, III, Joshua C. & Sarah Sam Gary, Jr., Family Custer Battlefield Preservation Abbott, Jr., Francis H. & Frances M. Berg, Trevor & Mitra Lohrasbpour Carciere, Andrew M. & Carol Taylor Rao-Dickinson, Alison Gaulding, Rodger D. Committee, Inc. Abernethy, Samuel F. Berghold, Joanne & William D. Cardello, Frank P. & Rita Dietrich, Garrett W. & Carolyn Gillam, Con & Daphne Bliss, Aaron D. & Dava D. Bliss Abrahamson, Eric S. & Donna B. Berman, David & Sandra Carron, John C. & Traci L. Telander Doane, Georgia Gilmor, Zachary Bliss, Brandon David Ahn, Angella Berninghausen, Tom & Nancy Cook Carron, Reid & Rebecca L. Rom Donnelley, II, Thomas E. Gingras, Paul, DMD & Sally Bliss, Whitney J. Aitken, Gary Bertoloni, Janet Carton, John L. & Barbara C. Glynn, Martin W. Allen, Anna & Wills Bervy, Greg & Lynn Cassell, Jr., John L. “Jay” Dorn, Joseph W. Gobbs, Richard L. & Susan G. Bliss Farms Partnership Alton, Todd & Sharon Bessenyey, Kristina Chamberlin, Dr. S. Wayne Dowling, Michael P. Goeddel, David V. & Alena Z. Brander, Linda Amonette, James & Alexandra Bibler, Carol & Jim Watson Chanania, Andrew Doyle, William Goldberg, Frederick Madison Valley Garden Anderson, Jay Bierlein, Jen & Dave Oline Chase, John A. Duke, Gar & Nicole Friend & Carolyn Lakewold Ranch, LLC Anderson, Kori & Jason Fleege Bingel, Thad Chenoweth, Joe & Lorrie Dykstra, Curt Goodwin, J. Barton & Elizabeth F. Cold Springs Ranch Anderson, Richard M. & Laurie Binger, James M. & Patricia S. Cholnoky, John & Amy Eder, Sr., Bert P. & JoAnn Gordon, Richard & Cheryl Watkins Montana, LLC Andrews, Prudence Jane Bird, Ralph Christensen, Ben & Anja Edwards, John & Gayla Graham, Bruce J. & Margery M. Thornberg Lake, LLC Angiolillo, Bruce D. & Carol Bjergo, Allen & Jacqueline Christensen, Stephanie Ann Ellis, Alexander Gray, Randall H. Double AA Corporation Arneson, Arnie & Sue Boone, Jean Clarke, Augusta “Gusty” Ellis, Janet H. & James C. Hansen & Nora Flaherty-Gray Dreaming Fields, LLC Ashworth, Sarah J. Bough, Loren & Jill Clarke, Michael & Christine Emery, Bob & Dana Morton Greenblatt, Russell Atkinson, Michael P. & Melissa P. Bowman, Carolyn L. William R. & Katharine M. Emmett, Tyler & Morgan Guckenberg, David S. & June Hardy, Christopher B. Atwood Biggs, Ann Boyer, Christopher F. & Jennifer Closs Family Engebretson, Mark F. James M. Guyette Family & Judith Hutchins Avis, Freddy Boyette, Van R. & Susan H. Cochran, Gifford W. & Carol M. H. Gwilliam, Scott L. & Jennifer B. Joronen, Michael Avis, Gregory M. & Anne R. Boyle, Jan & Rich Cole, Connie & Dave Engebretson, Peter Hafer, Janna S. & W. Randall & Leslie Joronen Bales, Charles Braig, Robert A. & Beverly J. Cole, David & Peggy Osburn Epple, Andrew C. & Paulette J. Hall, C. Barrows & Eleanor L. Kalsta Ranch, Co. Bales, IV, Charles “Chip” C. Branch, George Collins, III, William F. Epstein, Stuart Hall, Joanie & Robert KGK, LLC Barker, Brian F. & Sally L. Breaux, Leslie J. Collins, Jr., John & Anne Erickson, Jay & Ann Gilkey Hamburg, Scott & Anna Zon Estate of Richard S. Kice Barthelmess, James A. Breitner, Leslie & John Colton, Shane D. & Gina McIntyre Erwin, William A. Hansen, Elaine Little Belt Land, LLC Baucus, John F. & Nina Brescia, Joseph A. Combs, Bruce C. & Deidre B. Ethenoz, Greg & Nicole Haring, Jr., William F. Lewis, Marcus L. & Terry L. Baucus, Max Brim, Michael & Arlyne Conlon, Judge Suzanne B. Fagan, Taunya S. & Carol McSweeney Baumler, Jill Brim, Patrick C. & Sue A. Cooley, David E. & Jody Fanizzi, Fred & Maria Harris, Jerrold B. & Bobette J. Musselshell Retreat, LLC & Dr. Robert F. Mannisto Broadbent, William S. & Camille W. Copeland, Christie & Bruce Fearon, Robert Scott & Jennifer J. Harris, Lisbeth (Lou Ann) Schatz, Greg P. & Deborah A. Baumler, Mark F., PhD Brokaw, Thomas J. & Meredith A. Copeland, Jeffrey Feldman, Kirsten Hart, William F. & Elizabeth S. Paul T. Smith Ranches, Inc. & Ellen B., PhD Brown, David R. Cote, David M. & Maureen Fife, Doug Hauth, Donald K. Smith, Paul B. Bean-Dochnahl, Janet Browne, Kristen E. & Jamie Cover, McLane Fisher, Richard & Joanne Hawks, Jane & Bob Smith, Tresa V. Beckwith, Brad Bryan, Pamela R. & William L. Cox, Jack & Joyce Fitzgerald, Paul Hayes, George & Catherine SRI River Holdings, LLC Beevers, Kelly Bucklin, Linda Hale Cox, William “Jay” & Dody Flowers, Natalie Hazen, Judy Stout, Richard O. & Janet P. Bell, Ronald S. & Kelly M. Bucklin, Nicholas Coxe, Tench & Simone Foster, Timothy E. & Ellen P. Heenan, John Tompkins, E. Allen Bennington, James L. Bulis, Ania Crain, Mr. & Mrs. Rogers Fraise, George P. Heminway, Jr., John H. & Kathryn Watson, Lorraine E. & Josephine K. Burke, Kathleen L. Cullman, Edward Frater, Hugh R. Herman, Sidney N. & Margaret D. Bequette, David M. Burke, Stephen B. & Gretchen H. Cummings, Jim & Kristen J. Feldman Hess, Philip Berg, Rick & Gayle Burnett, Gary Curran, Kathy Frazer Lowe, Barbara Heyneman, Susan S.

19 more family of friends

Hibbard, Chase Knudsen, Kathy L. Meyer, Stanley F. Peterson, Jess Santa, John L. & Carol M. Tsiang, Judith A. Hibbard, Scott & Gretchen Konigsberg, Jan & Christy Milhoan, Whitney Petrin, Chris Satterthwaite, Frank L. & Janet Tureck, Judy & Hugo Hibbard, Tyrrell & Mary Kress, Kenneth A. & Karen B. Miller, John W. & Debra K. Pfeiffer, Steven B. Scharnberg, William Tysse, Deb Higgins, Tyler Krause, Carrie Miller, Lin & Megan & Kristin Reagan Pfeiffer & Kathleen Reynolds Vana, Jordan Highland, James A. Kuhn, Jr., Walter & Nancy Minton, Dwight C. Phelps, Chris Schiltz, Donald & Sharon Vana, Judy Hill, Marilyn & Wayne Kulina, Thomas P. & Meri Stevens Mitchell, D. Brent & Kathryn L. & Margaret Hollow-Phelps Schmidt, Jr., Dr. Chester W. Vanzant, Steven Hoffman, Mark R. & Mary N. Kurtz, Willis & Caroline Lupfer Mitchell, Douglas & Julie Phelps, Hollow-Phelps, Schulein, Dr. Mark Vaughan, Lora Hohenlohe, Christian C. & Nora R. Ladd, Eric Montag, Jeffrey M. & Kim H. & McConkey Families & Dr. Genevieve Reid Vermillion, Clinton D., MD Hohne, Richard Ladd, Roger & Cheryl Montague, Chris Phinney, Ben & Barbara Schurz, Franklin & Margaret H. Holland, Noel J. & Yvonne Lalani, Sal & Carol Moon, Twila Pierrepont, Jay & Lisa Schwab, Charles R. & Helen O. Vermillion, Dan Hops, Larry W. Lambert, Kirby Morgan, Lance & Gloria Borger Ploder, Steven E. & Lisa A. Seal, Christian G. Virgo, Jack & Collette I. Brooks-Hops Landes, Paul H. Morgens, Edwin & Linda Poett, III, Henry W. & Cynthia S. Seidel, Robert L. & Judith A. von Clemm, Emmiliese Hudson, Bannus B. & Cecily K. Landewe, Rebecca Moseley, Paul Pogge, Sandra L. & David L. Seitz, Frank Von Der Pahlen, Maria C. Hulet, Elliot J. Lang, Sr., Roger A. & Sue J. Mott, Maryanne Povich, Maurice R. & Connie Chung Shade, Darren & Adrian Douglas Leighton Hurd, Robert N., MD & Carol L. Langlas, Steve Muir, Barbara Proops, Jay D. & Mary K. Shaw, Dr. Alan H. von Stade, Jr., Charles S. Hutchins, Judith Larsen, Lisa A. & Raymond Flaherty Mummert, Marquis & Jenny T. Quinn, Barbara (Jane) Shearer, Cindy Vroon, Bryan Hutten, Jeff & Tamara Laszlo, Ann G. Musselman, Jeff & Dr. William (Bill) Sheffler, Kathleen Waller, John & Amy Inches, Jill & Robert Laszlo, Jr., Andrew & Paulette Musser, Bill, Linda, Philip, & Lila Rahr, David & Bridget Sherman, Roger Wallner, Fred & Mary Kay Ingalls, John Laszlo, Jeff Mutascio, Paul & Jill Gotschalk Rahr, William T. Shipman, David Walter, John & Wendy Iskenderian, Alex & Julie Lauer, Patricia A. Nassetta, Paul C. Raible, Joe & Barbara Shore, Stephen & Virginia Ward, Jr., William F. & Deborah H. Jackson, M. Roy & Gretchen S. Leander, Peter & Tana Nehal, Dr. Kishwer S. Ramirez, Kelly & Marcus Pearson Siderius, Charles E. Watson, Lorraine James, Hamilton “Tony” & Amie Ledger, Mark T. & Ann A. & Dr. Adrian Fisher Rasker, Jodi & Raymond Siderius, Kenneth L. Watts, Brenda James, Pietro N. & Lynn A. Legg, William M. Nelson, Davilyn L. Rasmuson, Judy A. Siebel, Jr., Kenneth F. & Judy Watts, Bridgett Jamrack, Allida Penelope Leuschen, David M. Nelson, Paul B. Rasmussen, Robert S. Silverman, Paul & Constance M. Wayman, Karen & Thomas Gaa Johnson, Greg E. & Tracy Levitan, Matthew Nicholson, Alan & Nancy Rauner, Bruce V. & Diana Mendley Simonds, Edward T. & Margaret R. Weissman, MD, Irving L. & Ann Johnson, Harmony Levy, Paul Norsworthy, George Reed, Glenn W. & Barbara W. Skoglund, Matt Welch, Jeff & Kelly Niles Johnson, Katherine (Katie) & Jed Lewis, Marcus & Terry Nova, Dan & Annette Reynolds, Michael Slager, Barbara & Eric Knutson Wellenstein, Michael S. & Cori E. Johnson, Lawrence D. Lindbergh, Land M. Nussbaum, Brad & Pauline & Sara Stalnaker Smith, Farwell & Linda McMullen Welles, Jeff & Maud I. Johnson, Leonard & Patricia Littlefield, Max Nutt, Robert Rice, Errol Smith, Gordon Wellington, James F. Johnson, Ralph & Hilary Loeb, Jeffrey & Margaret O’Connor, Roy S. & Susan Richards, S. F. & Bruce William Smith, Michael K. Weyerhaeuser, Robert M. Jones, Michael C. & Mary Frances Long, William & Billie Miller O’Connor, Tad Ringling, Rock & Bobbi Uecker Smith, Robert E. Wheat, Michael E. & Debra L. Jones, Tom & Alvira Mackley, Julie A. O’Steen, John & Judi Ritchey, David Sollers, III, Joseph Sedwick Wheeler, Col. James S. & Jane Jones, Walker & Bill Mannix, Cole Odegaard, Paul & Suzanne Robbins, Gary L. & Cheryl J. & Magge Whitney, Jay & Sandra Jovick, Robert L. & Stacey Marks, Heidi Ohman, Christopher C. Roberts, Donald & Carol Sorensen, Jerald L. & Patti Wiese, Jessica L. Joys, David & Sandra Marren, John W. & Lynda G. & Tamara J. Uecker Roe, Sandra B. Spanjian, Kris & Ray Gilbertson Williams, Burton & Joan Judd, Robert H. & Kathryn L. Kelly Martin, Sandy & Anne Ollinger, Skip & Deborah Rogers, Thomas T. Sperry, Janet Hoyt Williams, Conrad “Duke” Kaufman, Kenneth & Barbara F. Marx, Glenn Olsen, George S. & Ellen Vogelsang Rokita, Rusty R. & Deborah A. Spinelli, Margaret A. & Felix J. Wilson, III, Kendrick R. Keith, III, Robert J. Matelich, George E. Ossorio, Jr., Frederic E. & Stacy M. Rokosch, Abby Standifer, Traci & Ann Jackson & Marisa Bueno Maushardt, Jane E. Oswood, Mark W. & Judith L. Rolet, Xavier R. Stanley, Paul D. & Marolyn J. Wilson, John L. & Jan Kelly, Francis J. & Deloris L. May, Karen Owen, David L. & Kathryn J. Romatowski, Peter J. Stark, Jennifer & Jeremy Wilson, Kendall & Vickie Kempff, Jonathan & Janet McCurdy, Brian Owen, Morgan & Marisa & Suzanne Bonner Staub, Sherry Wilson, Penelope P. Kendall, Katherine McDermott, Edward T. & Emily Q. Owen, Russell Roos, Kathie M. & Neal W. Blossom Steiner, Ernest & Anna Wilson, Suzanne & George Sherman McGuane, III, Thomas F. Packard, Julie Rosenthal, Edward S. & Nancy G. Stephens, Ralph C. & Betsy W. Wilson, Verna Kennon, Aaron J. & Annika R. & Loraine B. Paine, Jr., Peter S. Rosenthal, Noah Stolp, Staci Wimberly, J. David Estate of Richard S. Kice McGrail, Thomas Paoli, David R. & Monica Conrad Rostad, Phil Straub, Patrick, Brandy, Adela, Wolf, Jason & Karen

Kidd, Barron Ulmer McIvor, William C. Parker, Paul W. & Anne P. Roth, Jane R. & Mikaela Wortman, Kirk y k s

Kidd, Matthew & Sheena McLane, Linda Harper & P. Andrews Parks, Stephen E. & Judith D. Rotticci, Edward Taylor, III, Bill & Susie Wright, Randy & Jennifer f o

King, Deborah Van Dyke McLoughlin, Heidemarie Patterson, Donna Roy, Caroline Taylor, Carson G. & Deborah Cooper Wright, Theodore M. & Elizabeth H. g o

King, Jr., Donald A. & Janemarie & David L. Genter Patterson, Thomas A. & Kristi Royer, Wilfried L. & Margaret A. Taylor, James H. & Valerie Anne Wrinkle, Guy Curtis & Cynthia n o B

Kingsley, Anna-Lisa McManus, Sandra J. Paul, Ronald N. Rubin, James S. & Gretchen Teller, John Yackel, John P. & Eleanor R. s i

Kirk, Roger S. Melzer, Tyler Paulek, Mark & Jeanne Hamilton Rubin, Robert E. & Judith O. Tempest, Jennifer Phelps Zackheim, Hugh & Karen x e Klein, Peter D. & Anne F. Ashbaugh Merritt, John B. Pearce, Kevin Ruedisili, Robert D. Thisted, Elizabeth G. Zaideman, Robert & Julie l A Klockman, Jane D. Messina, James & Taya Cromley Peck, Charles & Yuryra Guzman Rusmore, Barbara Thomason, Rich & Sally Zovickian, Stephen & Jan Knell, Charles A. & Marcia S. Meyer, Neil & Dixie Petersen, Gerald R. Sampson, John Townsend, Jerry

20 in memoriam foundations, companie s, and organizations Anderson, Jay E. Flood, James C. Kelly, Dr. Francis J. Roos, Paul 1111 Foundation Alex J. Ettl Foundation Northwest Farm Credit Services Berry, Carl Gary, Sr., Samuel Kittredge, William Shiltz, Donald Acts 20:35 Fund First Cornerstone Foundation Norwell Fund Bordsen, Mark Hagar, George Lerner, Jane Strong, Mary O. Adirondack Foundation – Five Points Foundation Outlaw Partners Deiss, Ronald Heaney, Dr. William Mason, Lynn Wood, Pat & Warren Paine Family Fund The Folley Family Foundation Patagonia.com Dyk, Arie Higgins, Frank Patterson, William AGL Foundation Georgia Baker Artworks PGN Foundation Amazonsmile Foundation Geraldine C. & Emory M. Ford Pleiades Foundation Anglers’ Club of Chicago Foundation The Pocket Foundation Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Forestoration, Inc. Pond Family Foundation Trust B Bar Ranch Gates of the Mountains Foundation Rahr Foundation Baroque Music Montana Greater Yellowstone Coalition Real World Design Belgrade News Grey Rocks Foundation, Inc. Reed Family Foundation Berkshire Hathaway Gulch Distillers Rocky Mountain Supply, Inc. HomeServices Montana The Hall Family Fund Ruby Habitat Foundation Properties – Sarah Day Hawaiian Islands Land Trust Schatz Quality Carpentry, Inc. Bibler Resources Company Headwaters Montana, Inc. The Schlinger Family Foundation Big Sky Resort Area District Susan Scott Heyneman Foundation Sieben Live Stock Company Blake Creek Project Management The Horn Foundation SLF Foundation Bozeman Symphony Wilber B. & Signa W. Howe Slootman Family Fund Bridger Aerospace Revocable Trust Spanish Peaks Mountain Club Group Holdings, LLC Huppert, Swindlehurst C. Stone Foundation The Broadbent Family & Woodruff, PC Stony Point Foundation Foundation, Inc. Intermountain Opera Bozeman SW Montana Farm & Ranch Cadeau Foundation J. C. Kennedy Foundation, Inc. Brokers Care & Quality Spraying – Jetco Properties Swan River Valley Real Estate John Huyser Robert Wood Johnson The Tapeats Fund The Charities Aid Foundation 1962 Charitable Trust TBR Fund Churchill Equipment, Inc. Kalsta Ranch Terra Western Associates The Cinnabar Foundation Kelly Ranch The Leroy Thom, Jean Thom Liz Claiborne & Arthur Ortenberg Knight Foundation, Inc. and T-L Foundation, Inc. Foundation The Andrew & Paulette Laszlo Tordik Wildlife Foundation Cherbec Advancement Foundation Foundation Judith A. Tsiang Charitable Fund The Coulter/Weeks Lechner & Stauffer, Inc. Watson Irrigation Charitable Foundation Lew Franck Family Fund Vroon Family Gift Fund Cromley Messina Foundation Lewis & Clark Expeditions, Inc. Matthew A. & Susan B. Weatherbie Custer Battlefield Little Belt Cattle Company, LLC Foundation Preservation Committee Little-Kittinger Foundation David L. Weaver – Davis Family Charitable Trust Lovett-Woodsum Foundation, Inc. Nash, Zimmer & Weaver, PLLC Denbury Manhattan Bank James Wellington & Family Gary W. Dietrich Family Foundation McGuire Family Foundation Gift Fund Double AA Corporation – Sandra McManus Designs Western Skies Strategies, Inc. Allmon Family Montague’s Jewelers, LLC The Wildwood Foundation Dry Fly Montana – Montana Chamber Music Society Willie’s Distillery, Inc. Pat & Brandy Straub Montana State Employee Willinphila Foundation East Rosebud Fly & Tackle Charitable Giving Woodson Ranch Company Moonlight Community Foundation Yellowstone Club Community Eddy Foundation Moonlight Territory Holdings, LLC Foundation Edward Jones Investments – Morgan Stanley Yellowstone Development, LLC Jared Hauskins The Nalen Foundation – The Charles Engelhard Foundation Craig Nalen ERA Landmark Real Estate – National Fish and Wildlife Robyn Erlenbush Foundation

21 the montana land reliance

Thanks to the continued support of its generous donors, The Montana Land Reliance (MLR) had another banner year in 2020.

MLR’s operations continue to be amazingly efficient, with expenditures for the year running under budget. Revenues for the year exceeded expenditures again this year – as they have for the past 42 years – resulting in a gain of $1,173,990 in the General Fund. MLR was able to make grants to the Montana Land Reliance Foundation (the Foundation) in the amount of $473,375 in 2020. These grants allow for continued growth in the corpus of the Foundation’s investment accounts.

2020 FINANCIAL REPORT

Income $ 2,861,513

Expenses $ 1,687,519

General Fund $ 3,479,095

Accounts Receivable/Payable $ 265,330

Land Acquisition Fund $ 4,569,289

Total Assets $ 8,313,714

as of 12-31-20 g n i b m a L

n h o J

22 THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT

Total Number of Conservation Easements 922

Rocky Mountain Front near Augusta 20

23 FINANCIAL STRENGTH

MLR Foundation Total Assets

$32,873,657 y k s f o g o n o B

s 20 Rosebud County i x e l A

24 mlr foundation

To say the least, 2020 was a challenging year Investment earnings (including changes in market 2020 FINANCIAL REPORT for most of us. value) were $3,708,986 in 2020 – averaging a 13.4% return on investments net of fees. The Land Protection Fund $ 18,481,950 As for the Montana Land Reliance Foundation* Foundation received $473,375 from MLR and this The corpus is available to defend and (the Foundation), we met those challenges head on along with our investment value increases and protect land already under easement; income is used for stewardship projects, and managed our investments to minimize losses earnings grew our net assets from $29 million to monitoring of easements, and and rebound quickly. Fiscal responsibility has nearly $33 million after reflecting grants to MLR completing easements for donors always been a hallmark of both the Foundation and and other expenses. who cannot cover these costs. The Montana Land Reliance (MLR), which helped us to weather the storm and continue to carry The Foundation Board members – Karen Kress, Education & Outreach Fun d$10,123,819 out the charitable purposes of MLR. Doug Mitchell, Jerry Townsend, Phil Rostad, Lee Income finances conservation Freeman, and myself are honored to serve and education and outreach to landowners and the public. The Board takes its role as stewards of the oversee the investments of the Foundation and Foundation’s investment portfolio very seriously provide funding for MLR’s conservation efforts for Conservation Fund $ 2,826,262 and we work with MLR management and many years to come. On December 31, 2020, my A permanent, irrevocable endowment Morgan Stanley to balance protecting our funds term and Jerry Townsend’s term on the Foundation designed to accept gifts from individuals for the future, earning income to support Board ended. The Foundation and MLR give thanks or direct gifts from corporations, MLR’s operations, and providing growth. The to Jerry for his many years of service to the Board. partnerships, or estates. Foundation’s investments are managed to ensure Doug Mitchell will serve as President in 2021 and MLR General Operating Fund $ 1,376,345 compliance with our investment policies and to we welcome Tom Patterson Account used for day-to-day enhance the Foundation’s financial strength. and Kirsten Feldman as operations of MLR. new Foundation Board In 2020, the Foundation granted $293,024 to members. Traditions Fund $ 54,435 MLR from our Land Protection Fund to support A permanent, irrevocable endowment stewardship and easement monitoring. Additionally, – Kim Montag, MLR designed to accept planned gifts the Foundation granted $136,317 to MLR for Foundation President from individuals or direct gifts from education and outreach and $20,000 for corporations, partnerships, or estates . conservation activities. Foundation Operating Fund $ 10,845 Account used for day-to-day operations of the Foundation.

Total Assets $ 32,873,657 as of 12-31-20 *a 509(a)(3) support organization to The Montana Land Reliance

25 ruby habitat foundation

As I write this, the Ruby Valley has settled into Having the stream in contact with the flood plain 2020 FINANCIAL REPORT the quiet of winter. Once again, the days have will help store water for later-season use and create Income $ 562,559 become short and the nights long and cold. It feels wildlife habitat. This project is coupled with the as though the valley is resting from a full summer’s change of irrigation practices that the neighboring Expenses $ 377,352 work and storing up energy to begin providing a properties have supported and joined in on to green lush habitat for abundant wildlife that will increase flows in Clear Creek. This is a project that Net Income $ 185,207 depend on new growth as spring arrives and the benefits everyone: agriculture, the fishery, and production of summer comes to full bloom. Although wildlife. I am sure eager to see how the true character Rural Heritage $ 110,517 the coming growing season will be different from of Clear Creek is expressed in the coming years. & Open Lands Fund any before, we know with certainty that the sun will Hill Education $ 150,189 put in longer days and the plant life will produce in The building of an apple orchard to preserve the & Outreach Endowment proportion to the moisture available. The yearly varieties of apples that have not just survived but Woodson Ranch Endowment $ 8,789,635 cycle will begin again. thrived in the Ruby Valley for one hundred years or more is one that has such a good feel to it. General Fund $ 298,351 We, as humans, have been given the responsibility Hopefully, there will be visitors one hundred years Fixed Assets and opportunity to preserve and manage the natural from now that will taste an apple from the orchard Equipment & Improvements $ 1,038,488 resources in a way that provides long term stability and have a big smile at the delicious taste. Lan d $ 7,762,144 rather than a short term gain. Possibly the largest Visitor Center Buildin g $ 44,423 project that has taken place on the Woodson Ranch Ruby Habitat Foundation* has been and will & Donated Art is the restoration of Clear Creek. It has been a non- continue to be a leader in southwest Montana Total Assets $ 18,193,747 functioning stream for many years due to being focusing on good natural resource management and as of 12-31-20 straightened decades ago. I would imagine this was the social and economic fabric of our communities. done not anticipating the long term consequences We highly value our many generous supporters. 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS that would occur. You are true partners as we continue to learn and grow in the never-ending Group A: The Montana Land Reliance The benefits of this project will be realized for quest of good stewardship. George Olsen; Rock Ringling, Vice-president; Lois Delger-DeMars years to come. The fishery of the Ruby River will Thank you. benefit immensely with the addition of spawning Group B: Woodson Family areas and the lower water temperatures that – Neil Barnosky, Martha Woodson, Secretary; Robin Mitts, Treasurer; Leslie Vanderpool; Lisa Matthews will result. Ruby Habitat Foundation Chairman Group C: Ruby Valley Community Neil Barnosky, President; Bruce Peterson; Steve Wood Executive Director: Les Gilman *a 509(a)(3) support organization to The Montana Land Reliance Outreach Coordinator: Dave Delisi

26 The Ruby Habitat Foundation is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural resources and social and economic o d

makeup of the Ruby Valley a l o and southwestern Montana. C

e i d d E

27 n

director s, staf f, o s d l

& trustees a n o D

n n y L board of directors council of trustees

George Olsen David Leuschen Richard Beattie Hamilton E. “Tony ” President Founder/Senior Retired Businessman James Retired CPA Managing Director, New York, NY President & Helena, MT Riverstone Holdings, LLC Chief Operating Officer, Roscoe, MT/New York, NY William S. Broadbent Rick Berg The Blackstone Group Retired Businessman Vice President Twin Bridges, MT/ Chris Montague Geyser, MT/ Rancher New York, NY Business Owner Indian River Shores, FL Martinsdale, MT Billings, MT Board of Directors, L to R: Shane Colton, Chris Montague, Caroline Kurtz, George Olsen, Rick Berg, Ken Wilson III, Judy Tureck, Allen Bjergo, Jerry David S. Joys John Carron, PhD Phil Rostad, Jerry Sorensen Townsend, Jerry Sorenson, David Leuschen, Phil Rostad, Dan Vermillion. Retired Secretary-Treasurer Hydros Consulting Nye, MT/ Retired Land Asset Not pictured: Kirsten Feldman Boulder, CO Rancher Management New York, NY White Sulphur Springs, Bigfork, MT staff Millard & Mina Cox Thomas Patterson MT/ Bozeman, MT Ranchers Jerry Townsend General Partner, Allen Bjergo Absarokee, MT Madrone Capital Partners Rancher Matt Bell Brad Hansen Katie Stokes Agricultural Menlo Park, CA/ Highwood, MT GIS Coordinator/ Eastern Manager Development Manager John S. Dale Consultant/Farmer McLeod, MT Land Steward Retired Corvallis, MT Judy Tureck Kathryn Kelly Will Trimbath Ovando, MT/ Jim Messina Landowner Kim Cook Shane Colton Greater Yellowstone Lands Manager Waubay, SD President & CEO Coffee Creek, MT Administrative Assistant Attorney Manager The Messina Group Kendall Van Dyk Billings, MT Bob & Joanie Hall Washington, DC/ Dan Vermillion Lois Delger-DeMars Bri Nottingham Managing Director Businesspeople Clyde Park, MT Kirsten Feldman Business Owner Managing Director Stewardship Coordinator Livingston, MT/ Livingston, MT Jordan Vana Businesswoman New York, NY D. Gideon Searle Christian Dietrich Mark Schiltz Managing Director Nye, MT/New York, NY Managing Partner, Kendrick R. Wilson, III General Counsel Western Manager Sidney (Skip) Herman The Serafin Group Caroline Kurtz Retired Businessman Jessie Wiese Managing Partner Miami Beach, FL Writer/Editor Emigrant, MT/ Becky Stearns Southwest Manager Bartlit Beck Herman Hobe Sound, FL Bookkeeper Missoula, MT Plenchar & Scott, LLP Paul Stanley Big Timber, MT/ Businessman land stewards future montana committee Chicago, IL Gallatin Gateway, MT Judy Hutchins William Taylor, III Terry Althaus Louise Bruce Kori Anderson Ben Christensen Jess Peterson Landowner Corvallis, MT Bozeman, MT Billings, MT Partner, Don Carroll Andrea Darling Heron, MT Zuckerman/Spaeder/ Pat Flanary Ron Hvizdak Freddy Avis Alex Ellis Kelly Ramirez Goldstein/Taylor/Kolker Jerry Iverson Cathey Hardin William T. Hutton Los Angeles, CA Portland, OR Bozeman, MT Emigrant, MT/ Skip Kowalski Gayleen Malone Professor Emeritus, Washington, DC Tom Maxwell John Moorhouse Nick Bucklin Cole Mannix Errol Rice University of CA Hastings Brian Neilsen Dan Reinhart Mill Valley, CA Helena, MT Bozeman, MT College of the Law Kirk Wortman Jim Roscoe Erin Shanahan Ennis, MT/ Businessman Kevin Suzuki Denise Wade Augusta “Gusty” Clarke Brian McCurdy Nevada City, CA Jackson Hole, WY Tom Wittinger Chicago, IL Bozeman, MT

2020 Annual Report: Essay and award stories by Alexis Bonogofsk y. Design by Real World Design. Printed by Advanced Litho Printing.

28 There are many ways that families, individuals, foundations, corporations, HOW YOU and organizations can provide financial CAN HELP support for MLR’s conservation work.

Because MLR is a non-profit corporation, contributions made to MLR are tax-deductible. Planned gifts are one way to make a meaningful impact on MLR’s mission, but there are many ways that families, individuals, foundations, Staff can corporations, and organizations can provide assist you in financial support for MLR’s conservation work. determining the most suitable Stock gifts are welcome and MLR has a very streamlined process in place through its investment option for your team at Morgan Stanley to assist donors to ensure financial needs. a smooth, well-documented transaction.

Call us at Your gift goes directly to MLR’s work with private landowners to protect Montana’s open spaces 406-443-7027 and working landscapes. or visit mtlandreliance.org How to Give • Cash contributions • Securities, land, vehicles, and other property

Gift & Estate Planning • Bequests • Gift annuities • Charitable trusts • Life estate gifts • Life insurance policies • Beneficiary designations m o • Retirement assets c . o t o h p MLR’s tax identification number is 81 - 0369262. e u g a

e Mission Valley l n i v e k Protecting Montana’s Open Landscapes

helena office Post Office Box 355 • Helena, Montana 59624-0355 • 406-443-7027 • [email protected] glacier/flathead office Post Office Box 460 • Bigfork, Montana 59911-0460 • 406-837-2178 • [email protected] greater yellowstone office Post Office Box 10843 • Bozeman, Montana 59719-0843 • 406-579-5481 • [email protected] big sky office Post Office Box 161554 • Big Sky, Montana 59716-1554 • 406-594-1570 • [email protected]

mtlandreliance.org