MLR 2009 Conservation Award

When John Roe passed away last summer after an abrupt illness, it was a blow to everyone who knew him: to us at the Montana Land Reliance, to his friends and family in Minnesota, to the community of the Blackfoot watershed, and to the conservation community at large. In honor of John’s extraordinary legacy, we have named Jonathan and Sandra Roe winners of the 2009 Montana Land Reliance Conservation Award.

“When John and I came to the Blackfoot River” says Sandra Roe, “we realized right away how unique and spectacular this particular geography was where we had landed. But — almost more importantly — we came to understand that the community of the Blackfoot watershed was something unique, and that we had arrived in a place with a cohesive value system that is really quite astounding.”

John and Sandra became a part of that community, learning its history, respecting its traditions, helping it to meet the challenges that confronted it. David Mannix, a neighboring rancher and friend, remembers John’s contributions.

“John Roe was soft-spoken, but big-minded,” he says. “He had a lot of experience, and a lot of wisdom, but he never dictated. He was a great listener, and offered advice very sparingly. Above all,” he says, “John and Sandra always understood the fabric of life in a small community. Instead of trying to change things, they tried to add to the good that they saw.”

One thing that was clear to the Roes from the start is that the Blackfoot has a long history of agriculture. They both felt strongly that farming and ranching were what made the community thrive, and that their property should remain a working ranch. They were fortunate to find Bob and Dawn Roland, who run their own cattle on the Roe place in what both parties agree is a win-win situation.

“It was John’s idea,” says Sandra, “to have a ranching partnership. The Roland’s have the opportunity to raise cattle, which is good for them and for the community, while we have the satisfaction of knowing the property is being managed responsibly and in a sustainable fashion.”

“John and I spent many hours,” says Bob Roland, “talking about how to improve the land, the buildings and the environment. He was always looking for creative and innovative ways to make this ranch a better place.”

John and Sandra were, for many years, active supporters of both local and national conservation organizations. But when they decided to put their property under conservation easement, the Montana Land Reliance seemed the obvious choice.

“Actually,” says Sandra with a smile, “Rock Ringling was difficult to say no to. We bought our ranch in December, and by January Rock was in our kitchen eating a peanut butter sandwich and talking about the Land Reliance. He was — how should I put it? Rather persuasive.”

The presence of John Roe will be missed terribly, but Sandra is committed to carrying on his legacy.

“This place changed our lives,” she says. “This land — and these people — changed the way we saw our place in the world. I feel that we became part of the Blackfoot, and that by giving ourselves to this community, we have connected ourselves to the larger landscape, and to the world.”

“The thing about John and Sandra,” says David Mannix, “is that even when they’re dealing with the problem at hand, you know they’re thinking about the big picture. And that’s why we’ll miss John Roe.”