Conservation effort engages Montana hotel guests

People checking in at some Montana hotels and other lodging establishments will be asked whether they care 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 ever-so-subtle pitches for small sums that will help pay landowners who agree to sign conservation easements, which are binding agreements that limit development of property. In some cases, easements may make it financially workable for a ranch to remain in agricultural use rather than being sold for residential lots or other development.

By Susan Gallagher, The Associated Press

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