Open Space Acquisition Protects Military Readiness, Wildlife, and Agriculture
Helena, MT— Prickly Pear Land Trust (PPLT) proudly announces the acquisition of Birdseye Ranch, a 1,472-acre property in the Helena Valley. The purchase, completed with funding from the Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) program, the Lewis & Clark County Open Space Bond program, and the Montana Fish & Wildlife Conservation Trust, marks a significant milestone in conservation and military readiness efforts.
Birdseye Ranch is a critical open space adjoining thousands of acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and the state of Montana, as well as protected lands owned by PPLT, like Tenmile Creek Park. The ranch’s preservation ensures the continuity of open spaces essential for wildlife habitat and military training.
Colonel Kelly Traynham of the Montana Army National Guard highlighted the importance of such open spaces. “Open spaces around Fort Harrison protect us for today’s fight, as well as training the next generation of soldiers,” said Col. Traynham.
The acquisition averts the potential development of the ranch into residential properties, which would have been disruptive to Fort Harrison’s training activities. “We make a lot of noise, we create a lot of dust, and we’re training 24/7,” explained Col. Traynham. “If someone lived here, they’d hear machine guns firing all night long, and at some point, they’re going to call and ask why we’re flying over their house.”
Mary Hollow, executive director of PPLT, emphasized the broader implications of the acquisition. “The need to protect open space for agriculture and wildlife has never been greater,” she said. PPLT will manage Birdseye Ranch for grazing, seasonal public access, and wildlife conservation. The ranch’s native grasslands are home to diverse wildlife, including birds, pronghorn, deer, elk, moose, and black bears.
The ACUB program, integral to this acquisition, supports the Army’s mission by protecting open spaces around military installations, thus preserving the ability to train and prepare soldiers effectively. PPLT has partnered with the Army to protect nearly 6,000 acres in Lewis & Clark and Broadwater counties.
CONTACTS
Mary Hollow, Executive Director, Prickly Pear Land Trust
Travis Vincent, Land Director, Prickly Pear Land Trust
Major Ryan Finnegan, Public Affairs Officer, Montana National Guard
Media Kit
Media kit available on request.
About Prickly Pear Land Trust
Prickly Pear Land Trust inspires connections to the landscapes, water, wildlife, recreation, and agricultural heritage of west-central Montana through conservation, now and for future generations.
