Montana TNC Honored with National Award

HELENA - The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Montana was awarded the prestigious 2015 National Land Protection Award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). This competitive award is presented annually to one nominee for significant contributions to land protection in partnership with the USFWS. This year's award highlights the Conservancy's work in Montana's Crown of the Continent, including conservation easements, land purchases and restoration, community engagement and stewardship work in the Blackfoot Valley and along the Rocky Mountain Front.

In his nomination letter, Gary Sullivan of the USFWS in Montana praised the Conservancy for its innovation, leadership and teamwork.

"The Montana Chapter of TNC has been the leading non-profit organization for land conservation in the state...They've helped develop the concept of community-based conservation, empowering local citizens to protect rural lifestyles and working landscapes."

Over the years, TNC has acquired more than half a million acres of former industrial timber land from Plum Creek, most of which has been or will be transferred into state or federal ownership to retain public access. Its most recent acquisition, the Clearwater-Blackfoot Project, involved the purchase of more than 117,000 acres from Plum Creek. The Conservancy is now working with the local community to plan the future of this important piece of the Crown.

"The Conservancy shares this award with the many friends and partners who have helped us make Montana a better place for both people and nature," said Richard Jeo, state director of TNC in Montana. "We still have a lot of work to do to create a future for this land that protects nature and contributes to the extraordinary quality of life that defines Montana."