Article Summary –
The nonprofit Missouri River Open Lands is working to preserve a 79-acre section of state-owned land along the Missouri River in Great Falls, Montana, frequented by hikers, dog trainers, and bird watchers. To prevent future large-scale development on the open grassland, the group needs to raise $1 million by late August. It has already raised around $400,000 through grants and donations, and Cascade County has agreed to apply for and hold the easement on behalf of the nonprofit, but more money is still needed to meet the appraisal cost to ensure the land is kept as open, recreational grassland.
Bordering Open Land in Great Falls Requires Urgent Funding to Avoid Development
Where Great Falls, Montana ends can be easily discerned as Fox Farm Road’s neighborhood backyards transition into open spaces and scattered homes on hillsides. One such home, owned by Alan Rollo for 17 years, borders a state-owned 79-acre plot along the Missouri River. This verdant expanse, mainly frequented by hikers, bird watchers, and dog trainers, is seen by Rollo as both his backyard and public land.
The land, apart from a small communications tower, is marked by fencing and well-trodden trails. A dedicated nonprofit group, Missouri River Open Lands, has been striving to maintain the land’s untouched status. Their challenge is to raise $1 million by the end of August.
A support sign for Missouri River Open Lands hangs from Alan Rollo’s fence at the outer border of the Fox Farm neighborhood. Credit: Matt Hudson / MTFP
According to Doug Ormseth, the group’s president, they have raised almost $400,000 through donations and grants. This money is vital for the group to fulfill its goal of preserving this pocket of state trust land against large-scale development. The state is bound to generate income from the land that was set aside a hundred years ago for public schools’ benefit.
After negotiating with local officials, Cascade County agreed in 2023 to apply for the easement and cooperate with Missouri River Open Lands in devising a management plan. This agreement is the first step towards securing the land.
Often used for hiking, this land is considered “Great Plains mixed grass prairie, according to the DNRC. Credit: Matt Hudson / MTFP
The group requires the funds to acquire an easement for the land, ensuring it remains open recreational grassland. Further development in the area would exacerbate traffic problems and put additional strain on local infrastructure, such as Meadow Lark, the district’s largest elementary school.
Though there is no immediate threat of sub-dividing the land, securing it against future development is crucial for the nonprofit group. They are even researching historical connections to the land to strengthen their case. The deadline for the 1 million dollars fundraising is August 23rd, after which a new, potentially higher appraisal will be needed.
If you wish to contribute, visit MissouriRiverOpenLands.org.
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