Last February, we were excited to announce that our 50th anniversary Montana Forever Campaign had reached its goal. Thanks to the generosity of over 230 individuals, businesses, and foundations, Montana Forever raised an incredible $4.523M. One year later, we are excited to report on how we're putting your trust and investment to work.
Five Valleys currently has over 11,200 acres of active conservation projects underway, with an additional 17,000 acres of conservation interest on the horizon. To ensure that we can respond to this need, we have hired an additional project manager, Kit Fischer, who will begin in February.
We are also bolstering our investment in the community open spaces we own at the Rock Creek Confluence, Lincoln Community River Park, and the new Mount Dean Stone Community Forest, working to make these places inclusive and sustainable (learn more about our exciting Rock Creek Confluence Gateway Initiative!).
Your support is also being put to work behind the scenes. Advanced tools like remote monitoring and our ArcGIS-powered conservation plan are enabling us to look at projects and conduct thoughtful stewardship through the lenses of climate resilience, connectivity for wildlife, community growth and equity, and protection of key soils and habitat types. Montana Forever also provided the match for our successful application to the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, which enabled Five Valleys to hire another staff member and launch a planned giving program. Meet Minette and learn about our legacy giving program.
The goal of Montana Forever was to accelerate the pace of conservation across western Montana. With your support, Five Valleys will continue to do just that. Thank you!
Photo of a rainbow over the east side of the Rock Creek Confluence property by Five Valleys staff
