Grant to help fund 200 acres of new conservation near Bigfork

Flathead Land Trust has been awarded $5,000 grant from Travelers for Open Land to help complete a new conservation easement project involving 200-acres of farm and forest land north of Bigfork. We are working with the children of George Darrow to conserve their father’s properties and extend his conservation legacy.

George Darrow was a prominent Montana conservationist, served in the state legislature in the early 70’s and helped to author the Montana Environmental Policy Act. He also helped to conserve Cougar Canyon near Bigfork and was a founding member of the Bigfork Center for Performing Arts and Sliter Park.

Travelers for Open Land was launched in 2009 and since then has awarded close to $220,000 to help fund 35 private land conservation projects throughout Montana. When visitors stay or shop at a business property participating in Travelers for Open Land, they’re asked to make a small donation in support of the program. Participating businesses include hotels, dude ranches, bed and breakfasts, outfitters with lodging, fly fishing shops, rafting companies and other tourism-related properties and businesses. The funds are awarded as grants to land trusts through a competitive grant program.