Board, Staff & Partners

Board of Directors

Margaret Notley

President

Jim Rafferty

Treasurer

Chris Albert

Secretary

Rick Mace

Board Member

Karl Rudbach

Board Member

Jennifer Rogge

Board Member

Rebecca Hughes

Board Member

Lisa Flowers

Board Member

Our Staff

Paul Travis

Executive Director

Ryan Hunter

Land Protection Specialist

Laura Katzman

Land Protection Specialist

Eryn O’Brien

Land Protection Specialist

Jennifer Guse

Communications, Outreach and Special Projects Coordinator

Community Advisors

Flathead Land Trust greatly appreciates the advice and assistance of our many Community Advisors and Volunteers — local residents who serve in a volunteer capacity on our committees, help us organize events or steward easement properties, or who we otherwise turn to for opinions and insights. Bringing diverse experience and perspectives to the table, these advisors are an integral part of the work of Flathead Land Trust.

If you are interested in serving on an FLT committee, please email us at [email protected].

Dr. Lex Blood

Jeff Jones

Dave McNutt

Doug Mitchell

Harry Morgan

Don Murray

Lech Naumovich

Mark Schiltz

Dean Sirucek

Doc Smiley

Brian Sugden

Eddie Thomas

Byron & Dana Whitney

Our Partners

Whitefish Legacy Partners

Whitefish Legacy Partners

Whitefish Legacy Partners is a non-profit organization whose community-minded vision ensures conservation, recreation and education on the lands around Whitefish for future generations.

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

NRCS works with landowners through conservation planning and funding assistance to help benefit soils, water, air, plants and animals that result in productive lands and healthy ecosystems. They administer the ACEP-ALE (Agricultural Conservation Easement Program) to purchase conservation easements on productive agricultural lands.

Flathead Audobon Society

Flathead Audobon Society

Flathead Audubon is dedicated to conserving birds, wildlife habitat and ecosystem diversity; promote awareness and appreciation of the natural world through education and advocacy; work with diverse groups and agencies to achieve sound decisions on natural resource issues; provide community services such as school programs, work projects, and field trips.

Flathead Lakers

Flathead Lakers

The Flathead Lakers work for clean water, healthy ecosystems and lasting quality of life in the Flathead Watershed.

Heart of the Rockies Initiative

Heart of the Rockies Initiative

The Heart of the Rockies Initiative is a collaboration of land trust and conservancy partners working together to weave the fabric of their individual projects into a tapestry of international, large-scale conservation success. The Heart of the Rockies partners work together to develop strategic direction and scientific vision at a grand landscape scale and build capacity and develop capital to achieve ambitious conservation goals.

Intermountain West Joint Venture

Intermountain West Joint Venture

The IWJV a diverse public-private partnership that works across eleven states to deliver strategic habitat conservation for migratory birds and other priority bird species.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, through its employees and citizen commission, provides for the stewardship of the fish, wildlife, parks and recreational resources of Montana, while contributing to the quality of life for present and future generations.

Montana Association of Land Trusts

The Montana Association of Land Trusts’ mission is to promote and support excellence in private voluntary land conservation in Montana through leadership, collaboration, education and outreach.

The Land Trust Alliance

The Land Trust Alliance

The Land Trust Alliance is the convener, strategist and representative of land trusts across America.

Trust for Public Land

Trust for Public Land

The Trust for Public Land has a mission of creating parks and protecting land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come.

River to Lake Initiative

River to Lake Initiative

The River to Lake Initiative brings together private landowners, land trusts, conservation organizations, counties, tribes and public agencies to conserve, enhance, and maintain our Flathead River and Lake natural heritage – excellent water quality, outstanding scenic and recreational values, and abundant fish and wildlife for people to enjoy and benefit from, today and tomorrow.

Monana Access Project

Monana Access Project

Montana Access Project works with community-based organizations, businesses and public agencies to create, protect and enhance frontcountry outdoor recreation opportunities at the heart of Montana’s way of life.

Foys to Blacktail Trails

Foys to Blacktail Trails works to enhance and steward a multi-use, community-focused trail system and advocate for access and trail connectivity between Blacktail Mountain, Herron Park, and the greater Flathead Valley.

Gateway to Glacier Trails

Gateway to Glacier Trails develops and maintains a network of local trails in order to foster stewardship and connect communities to our open spaces.

Flathead Trails Assoication

Flathead Trails Assoication

The Flathead Trails Association is a coordinated effort between local organizations. We work to preserve and advance trails and paths in the Flathead Valley.

Major Foundation and Grant Supporters

We would not be able to protect northwest Montana’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant ecosystems without the incredible support of our generous foundations and grant partners. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment to preserving Montana’s legacy for generations to come.

Thank you to our Business Partners who have given $500 or more in donations or in-kind services

Great things happen with great partners. Because we’re an organization that serves the entire Flathead Valley, we are pleased to have support from diverse businesses throughout the area. Businesses that become Flathead Land Trust members share a common vision – preserving the health and beauty of Flathead Valley for their employees, their families and their community. They also receive excellent exposure to our individual members, as we showcase business membership in our newsletters, on this website, and at special events.

Margaret Notley

President

Margaret was born in New Orleans, raised in Los Angeles, and moved to Montana over 20 years ago, after spending more than a decade living rurally in the United Kingdom, a crowded nation which has nevertheless done well in preserving its open spaces and wildlife habitat. Margaret has been an officer and board member of several Glacier Park partners, and is pleased (having witnessed the recent rapid growth in the Flathead Valley) to have the opportunity to expand her interest in conservation even more close to home, which is the East Shore of Flathead Lake. Margaret is delighted to be able to contribute to the Flathead Land Trust’s efforts towards conserving our legacy of land and water. We look forward to working more closely with Margaret and benefiting from her passion and experience in the years to come as our future president.

Jim Rafferty

Treasurer

Jim first set foot in the Flathead Valley in 2003 and fell in love with its beauty. He and his wife Rhonda made a home west of Kalispell and currently divide their time among the Flathead and Dallas, TX where their daughter and her family have made their home. Jim has been a Washington DC lawyer for 30 years and most recently was general counsel to a succession of renewable energy companies in California, Texas and Berlin, Germany. His outdoor interests include hiking and cross-country skiing.

Chris Albert

Secretary

After falling in love with the Flathead Valley during a visit in 2019, Chris and his wife, Sophie, finally made the move in January 2021. As an environmental attorney for over 10 years, Chris is passionate about the outdoors and environmental conservation. The frequent changes to environmental laws have made Chris a strong proponent of conservation easements because of the enduring environmental protections they offer. Chris is proud to continue that advocacy through the Flathead Land Trust. Chris’ environmental law practice in Richmond, Virginia included drafting conservation easements, donor education, and representing landowners. He also served as a founding board member of Richmond’s Capital Region Land Conservancy and volunteered as its legal counsel for seven years. Chris and his wife enjoy cross-country skiing, fishing, and camping. When he’s not enjoying the outdoors, Chris is managing the development of an automated research platform through a technology start-up that he co-founded with the assistance of a local venture capital firm.

Rick Mace

Board Member

Rick recently retired from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks as a wildlife biologist and grizzly bear manager. He’s had an almost 40 year career as one of the region’s top grizzly experts. Rick received his BS and MS in Wildlife Biology from the Univ. of Montana, and began working on bears in 1976 under Dr. Charles Jonkel. He went on to obtain a PhD in Conservation Biology from Univ. of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala Sweden. In 1987, he initiated a 10 year study on grizzly bear populations and habitats in the South Fork of the Flathead River and later went on to be the principle investigator for the trans-boundary study of grizzly bear populations in the Crown of the Continent ecosystem. He received the Wildlife Society’s Biologist of the Year award in 1990 and Distinguished Service Award in 2016.

Karl Rudbach

Board Member

Karl and his wife Courtney are both Montana natives and are owners of property subject to conservation easements held by the Flathead Land Trust. Their property includes 26 acres of riparian habitat and open space protected under easement and is located along the Stillwater River in Kalispell. Karl received his B.A. degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara with majors in Business Economics and Philosophy. He received his law degree from the University of Montana School of law and has been practicing law in Montana since 1995. He currently practices with the Whitefish firm of Ramlow & Rudbach, PLLP, primarily in the areas of Estate Planning, Real Property and Civil Litigation. Karl and Courtney have two school age children and, in addition to attending the kids’ activities, enjoy caring for their growing herd of animals and spending time outdoors hiking, skiing, rafting and kayaking.

Jennifer Rogge

Board Member

Moving to Flathead Valley in 1990 from the North Carolina coast, Jennifer fell in love with the west and Montan. She and Tim live on Blacktail Mountain where they raised their two daughters and enjoy being involved with the West Shore community. Having felt the impact over-development can have on environment and community, Jennifer is excited to be part of the FLT team! She has spent over 20 years working and volunteering in fund-development activities with multiple local, non-profit organizations. Jennifer has a B.A. degree in Parks and Recreation Management, with an emphasis on Therapeutic Recreation from UNC-Wilmington and works as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with the In-Patient Rehabilitation Department of KRMC. Jennifer enjoys traveling, exploring our country’s coasts and deserts, skiing on Blacktail Mountain and sailing on Flathead Lake.

Rebecca Hughes

Board Member

Rebecca worked as a registered nurse for 46 years including 18 years as a Flight nurse with ALERT at Kalispell Regional Medical Center and with LifeBird at Deaconess in Spokane, Washington. She retired in 2020 after a lengthy career in healthcare. Becky grew up in Florida, attended college in Mississippi, and received a nursing degree in 1976. She eventually found her way to Montana and moved to the Kila area in 1990. With coordination and support from FVCC, she organized and instructed the first accredited paramedic training program in Flathead County. She’s been affiliated with EMS training and The American Heart Association for 20 years as an advanced instructor. She and her husband Joe own property in Kila which is protected by a conservation easement through the Flathead Land Trust. Her outdoor interests include camping, hiking and gardening.

Lisa Flowers

Board Member

Along with her family, Lisa moved to the Flathead Valley in the early 1970s from Colorado. They ranched on the east side of the Valley for many years. Her father, Lex Blood, taught geology and helped to found several conservation nonprofits including FLT. Lisa received degrees in Botany with a minor in Geology and a Masters in Science Teaching, before earning her Ph.D. in Forestry & Conservation at the University of Montana, Missoula in 2007. She has worked as an educator in public schools and for not-for-profits for over 30 years. Her zeal for the natural sciences, education and conservation has led her to serve in many professional and volunteer roles for local, regional and collaborative entities throughout Montana. Most of the time she can be found outside enjoying her passions – hiking, biking, birding, boating, skiing, and gardening.

Paul Travis

Executive Director

Paul Travis joined FLT in July, 2014, as Executive Director. Paul has over 20 years of nonprofit conservation and leadership experience and holds a strong commitment to preserving our natural heritage, open space, and “way of life” in the Flathead for generations to come. Paul and his wife, Samantha Travis live in Kalispell with their three children: daughter Neve, son Landon and daughter Astrid. Paul and his family have deep roots in the Flathead Valley and spend as much time as possible outdoors hiking, boating, skiing and enjoying everything this beautiful area has to offer. He continues to enjoy sharing this with his family while building upon the important conservation goals of the Flathead Land Trust.

Ryan Hunter

Land Protection Specialist

Ryan Hunter became a Land Protection Specialist in July, 2009. He earned a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, with an emphasis on environmental and community development planning, from Portland State University in 2004. Prior to moving to Montana, Ryan worked as an Assistant Planner for Jefferson County in Port Townsend, Washington. Ryan has also previously worked for environmental non-profits, including forest conservation and salmon recovery organizations. He enjoys backpacking and kayaking the great wild places of Northwest Montana with his family.

Laura Katzman

Land Protection Specialist

Laura Katzman joined Flathead Land Trust in 2010, as a Land Protection Specialist. She earned a Master’s degree in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University, Bozeman in 1998, and had over twelve years’ experience in the natural resource field prior to working with Flathead Land Trust including working as a fisheries biologist for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks serving as the Aquatic Program Leader for a large-scale hydropower mitigation program in the lower Clark Fork. She took a few years off from her career to raise her two children, Michael and Sarah, and moved with her family to the Flathead in 2008 when her husband Chris Downs began working for Glacier Park. Laura loves to hike, climb peaks, bird watch, kayak, ski, and enjoy the outdoors with her family.

Eryn O’Brien

Land Protection Specialist

Eryn serves as a Land Protection Specialist with the Flathead Land Trust, combining her expertise in organizational development with a deep passion for conservation. Originally from Minnesota, she earned a BA and MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Minnesota, and built a 20+-year career with Fortune 500 companies before transitioning to a career in natural resources. Her passion for conservation was ignited during a transformative sabbatical doing wildlife conservation research internship on a South African game reserve, monitoring native species while contributing to critical habitat protection efforts. She went on to earn a degree in Wildlife Conservation from Unity Environmental University and gained field expertise as a Chronic Wasting Disease Technician with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and as an AmeriCorps Interpretive Program Specialist at Lone Pine State Park. Eryn is dedicated to protecting the unique landscapes of Northwestern Montana, where she enjoys hiking and lives with her husband, Jeff.

Jennifer Guse

Communications, Outreach and Special Projects Coordinator

After 20 years as a seasonal botanist in Glacier National Park, Jen Guse joined our team in 2022. Working in Glacier, where she fell in love with the local flora, fostered an appreciation for the natural resources of Montana. Living in the Flathead Valley for the past several decades fostered a deep desire to preserve the natural beauty and heritage of Montana. As a boots-on-the-ground consultant, she helped prepare baseline reports for many of FLT’s conservation easements prior to joining the staff. Jen is enthusiastic about merging her artistic and scientific passions since earning an associate degree in Graphic Design from Flathead Valley Community College in 2021 and a Master’s degree in Zoology from the University of South Florida in 1993. She enjoys sharing her heart-place in the foothills of Whitefish with her husband, Scott, her dogs, horses and chickens, and hiking with any or all of them as much as possible.