Conservation Easements Offer Landowners Options to Protect the Flathead’s Heritage

In November, the Flathead Lakers helped bring together a panel of conservation organizations to talk with local landowners about conservation easements - a voluntary tool that can permanently protect land, wildlife habitat, water quality, and farm soils while keeping property in private ownership. The session drew 17 interested landowners, who heard from experts with Flathead Land Trust, Montana Land Reliance, Vital Ground Foundation, the Flathead Lakers, and a landowner who placed a conservation easement on her property. Panelists discussed how conservation easements work, what types of lands are typically protected, potential tax benefits, and how long-term stewardship is supported.
 
As development pressure increases across the Flathead Valley, many landowners are exploring ways to conserve the open spaces, wildlife corridors, and productive farmlands that define our community. Panelists shared examples of local families who have used easements to ensure their land remains intact for future generations while retaining ownership and many traditional uses. As one landowner, Sue Cummings, once explained:

“We have the satisfaction of knowing that, regardless of who ends up owning the land, it will never be apartment buildings; no one will ever fill in our slough and bird habitat or pave over our prime farmland.”
 
Helping landowners understand conservation easement options is one way the Flathead Lakers work to protect clean water and the natural character of the Flathead watershed. For more information on conserving our special landscapes, check the Living in Flathead Guide at: www.livinginflathead.org/special-landscapes.

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