Conserving Montana’s vast horizon

People checking in at some Montana hotels and other lodging establishments will be asked to contribute a dollar or two to help conserve part of the landscape that draws tourists here by the millions.

A new program invites innkeepers to make subtle pitches for small sums that will help pay landowners who sign conservation easements — binding agreements that limit property development. In some cases, easements may make it financially workable for a ranch to remain in agricultural use rather than being sold for development.

By SUSAN GALLAGHER, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Full Story: http://www.torontosun.com/travel/usa/2009/05/06/9366821-sun.html

The Montana Challenge

Today’s technology allows people to live where they want, and many people want to live near the mountains and rivers of the Rocky Mountain West. Montana is now part of this “Third Coast.” As newcomers arrive, loggers and miners share the economic stage with Internet entrepreneurs and service professionals. Our natural resources now have broader value, as amenities as well as commodities.

http://fwp.mt.gov/tmc/default.html