Programs: Land protection:the organization protects clean water, working farms and ranches, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities using fee acquisition and conservation easements of private lands. Landowners enter into agreements with the organization voluntarily and knowing their land holds special value to them and to the public. Easements held by the organization hold no financial value, and the landowner retains full ownership of the land. The cost to acquire purchased or donated easements is expensed as incurred. During the year ended december 31, 2017, the organization completed eight easement projects and one fee land project. During the year ended december 31, 2016, the organization completed eight easement projects and 4 fee land projects. Since inception, the organization has identified opportunities to convert privately held lands into public lands over several areas in western montana. Examples of these projects include the alberton gorge, hiawatha route, mount jumbo, mount sentinel, and the rattlesnake greenway. As of december 31, 2017, the organization holds a total of 165 conservation easements protecting a combined 69,641 acres of land. At december 31, 2016, the organization held a total of 158 conservation easements protecting a combined 64,372 acres of land. Land stewardship:the organization's stewardship staff works with public and private partners to improve protected lands for their conservation purpose. The organization enlists a broad group of partners to complete this work including students, volunteers, and contractors. The organization continued weed treatment, habitat restoration, and river trail development at the rock creek confluence project in partnership with the university of montana, missoula college, and the conservation corps. The organization conducted similar activities on other properties throughout its service area. A conservation easement commits the organization to a perpetual responsibility of stewarding the protected conservation values and supporting landowners in their efforts to manage their land with conservation in mind. Stewardship work involves monitoring the conservation easements and visiting with landowners annually to listen to their concerns and work to help them meet their management goals in a way that achieves optimal protection for their land. To fund these future responsibilities, the organization has established a stewardship fund with a balance of $1,205,351 and $1,232,118 at december 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, that is presented within investments on the statement of financial position. The organization prides itself in working collaboratively with landowners and other partners to bring resources and sound solutions to complex land management issues. In 2017 and 2016, the organization monitored each of its conservation easements. Along with missoula county weed district, the organization cohosted the healthy acres landowner workshop for approximately 40 landowners.
