Iverson Family Ranch recognized for land and water stewardship

POTOMAC - The Iverson family received praise from various Missoula County organizations following their reception of this year's Land Stewardship Award. The award was presented at their ranch in Potomac Monday, Aug. 23.

According to a press release, the award is intended to recognize landowners and residents who exhibit "excellent stewardship work on their land" and make efforts towards improving the conditions of local land, water, forests, wildlife and communities. Some of the Iverson family ranch's most prominent practices included installing a gravity flow pipeline to maximize water use efficiency, increasing organically rich soil through multiple practices, installing a fish screen and sharing their expertise with others.

Rancher Denny Iverson said they appreciate the County's recognition.

"We don't do the work we do to get awards," he said. "We're just trying to make it [work], but it's nice to be recognized."

In attendance were Missoula County Commissioners, Open Lands Citizen Advisory Committee members, award nominators and stewardship project partners. 

Jenny Tollefson, Five Valleys Land Trust stewardship director, nominated the Iverson Family Ranch for this year's award.

"You guys are so willing to share ideas," she said. "You're open and you're very honest about the challenges that you face. And you're also very humble ... about your successes. It's that wonderful Iverson humility that makes it so special to be here with you guys having a celebration to acknowledge your work."

In the press release, Juniper Davis, Missoula County's Parks, Trails and Open Lands division manager, said the family has shown leadership in water and soil management for generations.

"Their work sets an example in sustainable agricultural production, reducing conflict between livestock and predators, and forest stewardship," she said. "Their diligent efforts also improve the lands for their neighbors and other families who make a living by working the land."

Tollefson expressed admiration for the family's ability to steward over 700 acres of land in the Potomac Valley.

"That gives me great comfort, especially when I'm driving through here because I know that your approach to doing this is based on the idea of taking care of the soil and the water," she said.

Following the award presentation, Denny led attendees to another piece of property where he and his nephew Justin Iverson went further into depth on their irrigation and land management practices.

Award recipients are selected by members of Missoula County's Open Lands Citizens Advisory Committee with additional input from local resource experts out of the Missoula Conservation District; the Missoula County Weed District and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

The Iverson Family Ranch's significant land steward practices include: 

• Maximizing water use efficiency by installing an 8,000-foot gravity flow pipeline with a pivot system to transport water from the creek to the ranch.

• Increasing soil organic matter by aerating soil and minimizing plowing to reduce disturbance and aid in carbon sequestration. Also rotating field use between haying and grazing to increase matter.

• Installing a fish screen to prevent fish from being trapped in the ditch, monitoring stream flow and reducing irrigation use as needed to recharge the creek.

• Waiting to graze cattle in alfalfa hayfields for fall pasture until after the first frost to ensure plants have time for adequate regrowth. 

• Using seasonal fencing as needed to protect stream riparian zones from fall cattle grazing.

• Mitigating extended drought periods by managing organically rich soils, thus increasing the soil's water capacity. This makes the soil more resilient to drought and increases productivity while decreasing reliance on inorganic fertilizer. 

• Actively sharing their expertise with others and advocating for desirable agricultural policies at state, national and international levels.

Missoula County Commissioner Juanita Vero praised the family for their accomplishments while presenting the award.

"What the Iverson family has done for this community, for Missoula County, it's hard to put words to," she said. "But the next generation is back here and are trying to continue it into the future. It's so heartening. ... This is really special. There isn't a more deserving family for the ... Land Stewardship Award."