Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Program

Photo by: TPL Staff
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) encompasses approximately 18 million acres across Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, including two national parks, seven national forests, a dozen wilderness areas, and the headwaters to several of the United State's best known rivers. Given its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and wide array of recreational opportunities, GYE has become an increasingly popular place to live and play, now ranking as one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Cabins, second homes, and even resorts are springing up in places that have long been viewed as natural extensions of nearby forests, wilderness areas or national parks. This intense development blocks public access to public lands, significantly degrades and fragments wildlife habitat, ruins scenic vistas, and severely degrades the ecological integrity of the area.

Photo by: Alex Diekmann
The focus of TPL's GYE program is to conserve sites within or adjacent to public lands that are threatened by inappropriate development. Target properties include Forest Service and National Park inholdings, privately owned "checkerboard" lands, and other environmentally sensitive properties adjoining public lands. With significant support and encouragement from local communities and conservation leaders, TPL is dedicated to helping preserve these special places.


Photo by: Alex Diekmann
Taylor Fork

The Taylor Fork drainage, just south of Big Sky, is one of Montana's most scenic wildlife and recreation areas. It is a primary calving ground for the Gallatin elk herd and provides vital habitat for moose, lynx, wolverine, and grizzly bears - which have been known to produce litters of four cubs, something that rarely occurs elsewhere in the Yellowstone region. The area is also a favorite haunt of sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts who journey to the wild landscape

In July 2002, TPL completed the first phase of a two-part effort to protect 3,300 acres in Taylor Fork, adding 1,328 acres to Gallatin National Forest. One year later, an additional 1,977 acres was protected and conveyed to the Forest. These acquisitions mark the final steps in a decade-long effort to consolidate the checkerboard pattern of public and private land holdings that once dominated Gallatin National Forest.


Photo by: Alex Diekmann
Devil's Canyon Ranch

In north-central Wyoming, on the western slope of the Big Horn Mountains, Devil's Canyon Ranch is entirely surround by public land, including Big Horn National Forest, Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, and the Big Horn Canyon National Recreation Area. With dramatic cliffs, sheer rock walls, and panoramic views of the Big Horn Basin, the ranch offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Wyoming and serves as the gateway to more than 20,000 acres of public land. In June 2003, TPL acquired the 11,179-acre property and conveyed 8,200 acres to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The remaining 2,979 acres will be held by TPL until they can be transferred to BLM.


Photo by: Alex Diekmann
Working Lands in Gallatin County, Montana

According to a recent study by the American Farmland Trust, Gallatin County, Montana has more strategic ranchland at risk of development than any other county in the Rocky Mountain West. In 2001, TPL helped the county respond to a rapid increase in development with a $10 million bond measure protecting critical farm and ranchland, wildlife habitat, and open space. Now, TPL is collaborating with local landowners, the Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT), and Gallatin County, purchasing conservation easements from willing landowners in an effort to protect traditional agricultural lands. The easements ensure that the land will never be developed, while allowing traditional farming and ranching activities to continue. Protecting these areas also helps safeguard water quality and the region's beautiful landscapes.

In January 2003, TPL, in partnership with GVLT, purchased an easement on the 956-acre Skinner Ranch—the first easement funded from proceeds from the Gallatin County Open Space Grant Program and the federal Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program. Since then, TPL has protected the 160-acre Cannon Creek Ranch outside of Bozeman and 1,572 acres of rolling hills and cropland at the base of Horseshoe Hills.

Updated 6/2004




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