Conservation Easements Critical to Rational Growth in Montana. New owner to preserve Maclay Ranch

The Jan. 24 edition of the Flathead Beacon carried a column by Dave Skinner that seemed to suggest conservation easements were not “good news” for the Flathead Valley.

The truth is conservation easements are very “good news” for the Flathead and its current and future residents and businesses. Conservation easements are good news for the Flathead quality of life and good news for the Flathead economy.

By Glenn Marx, Ken Siderius, Marilyn Wood

Full Story: http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/conservation_easements_critical_to_rational_growth/2254/

***

New owner to preserve Maclay Ranch

By JOHN CRAMER of the Missoulian

The Minnesotan who bought the D.J. and Frances Maclay Ranch has officially taken ownership of the historic Bitterroot Valley spread.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation http://www.rmef.org/ acquired the ranch last April to help the Maclay family find a conservation-minded buyer.

The foundation transferred the deed in December to the new owner, Mark Reiling, a Minneapolis businessman. The purchase price was not disclosed by buyer or seller.

Reiling renamed the 3,082-acre property the Sapphire Ranch and put it under a conservation easement to preserve its wildlife habitat and open spaces.

Full Story: http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/02/09/news/local/news02.txt