We’re Keeping it Montana.
MLR has partnered with landowners to protect 1.5M acres of working lands, wildlife habitat, and open spaces that sustain the Montana way of life.
our mission
Conservation, grounded in partnership
Since 1978, The Montana Land Reliance (MLR) has partnered with Montana’s landowners to permanently protect agricultural lands, fish and wildlife habitat, and open space.
The lasting benefits of MLR’s work are the perpetuation of a lifestyle and an economy that rely on responsibly managed private land and increasingly valuable Montana open spaces that will continue to nourish the spirit of future generations.
What we protect
Our work focuses on conserving the landscapes that define Montana’s identity and economy.
Working Lands
Conserving the farms and ranches that define Montana’s agricultural legacy.
Wildlife Habitat
Protecting migration corridors and native ecosystems.
Open Space
Preserving Montana’s scenic vistas and wide-open views.
Celebrate with MLR this Summer on Conserved Lands.
Events
The Montana Land Reliance has three events planned to bring our community together in beloved corners of the state, on land families trusted MLR to help them protect for future generations. Tickets are on sale until late June.
June 26
2026 Conservation Legacy Dinner
Ennis, MT
This small dinner features live music, cocktails, dinner and dancing alongside the Madison River at the incredible Madison Double R.
July 11
Park County Conservation Celebration
Wilsall, MT
This dinner, dance and auction at the Old Sedan Church in Wilsall is a big party with friends and neighbors to celebrate 40 years of MLR partnering with Park County landowners to permanently conserve 100,000 acres across Park County.
July 22
An Evening in the Swan
Swan Lake, MT
This reception at the Bond Ranch south of Swan Lake will bring neighbors together for drinks, appetizers, and great conversation about conservation in the Flathead and Swan Valleys.
Featured Post
2025 Annual Report
Message from the president:
“There’s a simple idea that guides our work at The Montana Land Reliance: Keep Montana, Montana. It’s more than a tagline – it’s a shared commitment to the people, landscapes, traditions, and sense of place that make this state unlike anywhere else.”
Protecting Montana - together
Through long-term partnerships with landowners and communities, we help ensure Montana’s working lands, wildlife habitat, and open spaces remain protected for generations.
1.5M+
Acres protected in perpituity
Land permanently conserved through voluntary conservation easements.
1,040+
families partnered in stewardship
Successful partnerships across working lands and habitat.
2,100+
miles of streambank protected
Communities across Montana where land is protected.
50
Years of experience
Decades of trusted, locally rooted conservation work.
Success Stories
Kevin & Sasha Keller
The Montana Land Reliance is pleased to recognize the Keller family as the 2023 recipient of the William F. Long Award, which highlights a landowner who has gone above and beyond in conserving ranchlands and upland bird habitat in Montana. “This is our way of life… the dream is at the tip of our hands,
Stories from Montana
Land, wildlife, people, and the future of Montana.
2025 Conservation Award: Loon Lake Family Ranch
In recognition of their outstanding commitment to Montana, MLR is pleased to present the Binger Family with the 2025 Conservation Award.
Read the story
The Hidden Lives of Montana’s Open Lands
What happens on Montana’s landscapes when no one is watching? Wildlife cameras reveal stunning visitors.
Read the story
Stewardship at Scale
Now with more than 1,000 conservation easements, MLR continually innovates how we steward protected properties.
Read the storyStay updated
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Join us in preserving Montana’s natural beauty! By partnering with us, you can make a lasting impact on our farms, ranches, and wildlife habitats. Sign up to learn more about how you can contribute to the conservation efforts that safeguard our way of life for future generations.
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