Community News

Community Spotlight: Gallatin Valley Land Trust

The Gallatin Valley Land Trust is a conservation organization that’s been working in Southwest Montana for over 30 years to help keep some of our treasured land protected and undeveloped. They help conserve trails and open space with a mission to maintain agricultural heritage, healthy and abundant wildlife habitats and to preserve Montana’s natural beauty.  Not only do they help conserve land, but they play an integral role in growing and maintaining trail systems in and around the Bozeman area, connecting communities and people to the land. 

GVLT Partners with Private Landowners

GVLT partners with private landowners to help them achieve their financial and conservation goals by creating conservation easements that ensures the property remains intact and undeveloped forever. Under these easements, the land is protected from future development but remains private property, so ownership is retained and the land can continue being used for farming, ranching, recreation or other activities that sustain its resources. Since 1990, GVLT has conserved over 75,000 acres of working farms and ranches, wildlife habitat, clean rivers and open space in the Gallatin Valley (that’s nearly 110 square miles!) “There are significant financial benefits for landowners who are interested in conservation easements.  If a landowner is interested in talking about the benefits of a conservation easement either when they own, are considering buying or even considering selling, we’d be happy to advise them. These voluntary agreements are a great win, win option that can address the needs of landowners while protecting the character of the landscape we all love!” - EJ Porth, Associate Director at GVLT

Not only does GVLT help create the easement, but they remain an ongoing partner to the landowner, providing advice, resources and support, ensuring that their vision for the land is carried out – even if the property changes ownership. Here is a guide with more information on partnering with GVLT or reach out to GVLT if you have any questions or think land conservation is an option for you!

Current Trail Projects 

Connecting communities to their surrounding natural lands and to each other is part of GVLT’s vision. They work tirelessly on our community's trail systems and one of their current projects is expanding the Main Street to the Mountains trail system in Bozeman. Read all about their current projects, the trails systems and how you can get involved here: https://gvlt.org/trails/current-projects/

More trails around Southwest Montana to check out:

Livingston

Pine Creek Falls: This is a moderate 4.7-mile round-trip hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of Paradise Valley. This is considered one of the most popular hikes in the area

Passage Falls: This is an easy 5-mile round-trip hike that leads to another scenic waterfall. The trail is mostly flat and is a good option for families with children.

Suce Creek Trail: This is a moderate 5.7-mile loop hike that offers a variety of scenery, including forests, meadows, and waterfalls. The trail is a bit more challenging than the others on this list, but the views are worth it.

Elephant Head Mountain: If you're looking for a more challenging hike, Elephant Head Mountain is a great option. This 7.8-mile round-trip hike offers stunning views of the Absaroka Mountains.

Livingston Peak Trail: This is a challenging 8.2-mile round-trip hike that leads to the summit of Livingston Peak. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area, but it is not for the faint of heart.

Big Sky

Beehive Basin Trail: This moderate 6.9-mile out-and-back trail is a favorite for its stunning wildflower displays in summer and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Ousel Falls Trail: This easy 1.7-mile out-and-back trail leads to a picturesque waterfall cascading down moss-covered rocks. It's a great option for a short and scenic hike.

Cinnamon Mountain Trail: This moderate 8-mile out-and-back trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including Lone Peak. The trail ends at a historic fire lookout.

Lone Peak: For experienced hikers, Lone Peak offers a challenging 7-mile out-and-back trail with stunning views from the summit.

Ennis

South Fork Trail to Pioneer Falls: This moderate 6.5-mile trail is a popular choice for hikers of all levels. The trail follows the South Fork of the Madison River to Pioneer Falls, a 100-foot waterfall.

Summit View Nature Trail: This moderate 2.2-mile trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great option for a quick hike or a leisurely stroll.

Madison River from Ennis Campground: This easy 1.1-mile trail is a great option for a family-friendly hike or a relaxing walk along the Madison River. The trail is flat and well-maintained, making it accessible to hikers of all ages and abilities.