Thursday, Jun 15, 2006
On May 31st, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS celebrated a gift of 3,600 acres of protected and preserved landscape that will protect the western view of the hills in perpetuity. Rock Creek Cattle Company gave the easement as a gift to Five Valleys Land Trust, which will manage the easement with Rock Creek for the benefit of the park and the entire Deer Lodge Valley.
The celebration was attended by more than 200 people and took place at the ranch. The event was highlighted by remarks from Tony Schetzsle Intermountain Region deputy regional director, Powell County planning board chairman Bill Mattice, Jim Berkey of Five Valleys Land Trust, representatives of both senators from Montana, a representative for the governor, and Bill Foley of Rock Creek Cattle Company.
Four organizations – Rock Creek Cattle Company, Powell County, Five Valleys Land Trust and the National Park Service – worked together for over a year through meetings and public forums to craft an agreement that would hold the lands in a state of near historic perfection, while fostering a healthy private ranching operation. Rock Creek’s design team worked with the park to identify the appropriate acreage and language for the easement, so that ranching uses remain and development and modern intrusions cannot occur.
Among the gifts given to William Foley, CEO of Fidelity National Financial and principal owner of Rock Creek Cattle Company, were branding irons fashioned at the park’s forge with both the Rock Creek and the Grant–Kohrs brands, a plaque of appreciation from Five Valleys Land Trust, and original paintings of the dramatic landscape by noted Montana artist Dave Mihalic, former National Park Service superintendent. As superintendent Laura Rotegard remarked in presenting the gifts, “these irons were fashioned and forged in friendship and represent the special partnership we celebrate today… one of trust between neighbors.” In accepting the gifts, Foley shared his love of ranching history and his personal roots, describing his Texas heritage that included trail driving days and his ancestor Charlie Goodnight’s JA Ranch.
As Hal Harper, chief policy advisor to governor Brian Schweitzer remarked, “just look at that landscape, it is prime residential real estate. What a remarkable achievement!” His sentiments echoed the comments of many who realized the magnitude of what the agreement would safeguard.
The land has changed hands several times in the nearly 150 years since pioneer Johnny Grant and later Conrad Kohrs raised cattle in the valley. In 2004, the current Rock Creek Cattle Company formed, headed by William Foley. Many of the sparsely settled valleys are seeing a boom in housing. This easement will also benefit people who are not associated with the historic ranch: It will forever benefit everyone who looks to the western hills, whether native to the Deer Lodge Valley or just passing through.
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