Private lands are critical to the conservation of rural landscapes all across the West.  Ranchers, family forest owners, farmers and rural residents are important allies in the conservation of watersheds and larger connected landscapes.

In the Swan Valley, family-owned lands are typically along streams and rivers, have significant wetlands, and are among the most productive timber and agricultural lands.  Wildlife habitat is one key value across most of the private lands in the valley bottom.

Northwest Connections routinely contracts with land trusts including the Montana Land Reliance, the Vital Ground Foundation and The Trust for Public Land to develop baseline reports for landowners placing a conservation easement on their property.  We map resources such as plant communities, wildlife linkages, and wetland complexes.  We also provide suggestions for road and building locations that reduce environmental impacts on the individual private property as well as to the surrounding lands.   

Northwest Connections also works directly with private land owners wishing to develop management plans that maximize wildlife connectivity, reduce noxious weeds, and restore ecological functions across their property.