With over 1,000 conservation easements spanning every corner of the state, The Montana Land Reliance (MLR) is continually refining how we steward protected properties. As our portfolio continues to grow, so does our responsibility – and our approach is evolving to meet that challenge.
Monitoring is at the core of our work. Each easement is a voluntary legal agreement designed to protect a property’s agricultural productivity, wildlife habitat, and scenic values. To ensure these commitments are upheld, MLR’s stewardship team monitors each easement annually – this is an essential part of honoring the initial intent of the conservation easement, as well as maintaining our accreditation as a land trust.
Until recently, our standard was to conduct yearly boots-on-the-ground monitoring of every property. While there is no substitute for walking the land and seeing it firsthand, having such a large portfolio of easements requires us to adapt using new and improving technology. Advances in available satellite imagery allow us to expand our remote monitoring capabilities and be more efficient and thorough in our monitoring.
“The technology has reached a point where we can see meaningful detail from our desks,” said Matt Bell, MLR’s GIS Manager. “High-resolution imagery enables us to monitor for new development and changes in land use with remarkable accuracy.”
For larger properties in particular, remote monitoring can significantly improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary travel. Rather than driving every mile of ranch road and seeing every acre, staff can review current imagery and then follow up as needed.
“This approach allows us to focus our time where it’s most needed,” said Colin Cooney, MLR’s Stewardship Director. “Using up-to-date imagery, we can reduce the time and travel burden on both stewardship staff and landowners.”
Even as technology plays an increasing role, relationships remain the cornerstone of our stewardship philosophy. Monitoring isn’t just about documentation, it’s about partnership. Each landowner continues to work with a dedicated land steward, and that relationship continues regardless of whether monitoring occurs in person or remotely in a given year.
“Landowners will still hear from their regional stewardship manager or land steward every year,” Cooney emphasized. “Even if we’re not walking the property together that season, the relationship doesn’t pause. Communication and trust are what make our work successful.”
As MLR adds protected acres across Montana, thoughtful stewardship remains a top priority. Remote monitoring is not a replacement for in-person visits, but an additional tool that helps us manage a growing portfolio effectively and efficiently.
“Our goal is to maintain and even enhance the strong relationships we have with private landowners,” Cooney said. “By using technology wisely, we can dedicate more time to conversations and long-term planning, while still upholding the highest standards of care for conserved lands.”
In a state as large and varied as Montana, stewardship requires both tradition and innovation. With the combination of boots-on-the-ground experience and modern technology, MLR is ensuring that conserved lands remain protected for future generations while supporting the continued growth of conservation across the state.
