In the early 2000’s, Harry Berg saw the growth and fragmentation happening in the Gallatin Valley and knew it was just a matter of time before the ripples of change spread across the region. A growing desire to protect his family’s legacy led him and his wife, Beth, to The Montana Land Reliance (MLR) in 2006, where the two began the process of conserving their property on Sixteen Mile Road in earnest. Sadly, Harry died in 2007 before he could see his vision become reality. Later attempts to conserve the property failed, and the project went dormant for nearly two decades.
The Berg Family Ranch at Hatfield Mountain, or “Sixteen”, as it’s called by the family, was purchased by Harry’s father Helmar in the early 1930’s for a few dollars an acre. Helmar had found success in the automobile industry – owning gas stations, selling cars, and providing related services in Martinsdale and White Sulphur Springs – which enabled him to purchase a sizeable acreage in the hills on the northeast flank of the Bridger Range.
“Sixteen” was intended to supplement the 7,000-acre home ranch at Lennep owned by Helmar’s brother, Oswald, and became a place for the Bergs to summer and shear sheep. This helped keep the Lennep operation afloat during the lean times of the Great Depression and was critical to the survival of the Lennep ranch, where the 5th generation of Bergs run cattle along the South Fork of the Musselshell River.
Following Harry’s return from World War II, he and Helmar continued the family’s agricultural legacy by running sheep at “Sixteen” while operating the Berg Garage, which has now been open to customers for 125 years. They continued their sheep operation for some years until they eventually transitioned out of agriculture and began leasing the property to the Morgan family, who run cattle on it to this day.
Around this time, in the early 1980’s, Helmar considered selling the ranch. Harry, who had grown quite fond of the place, talked him out of it, noting that “God’s not making any more land like this.”
The property remained a recreational haven for the family and the gathering place for many a Berg campout or celebration. Harry’s children – Pattie, Jay, Jack, Jo, and Larry – came to love the ranch and spent much of their youth roaming the wet creek bottoms, timbered slopes, and grassy hillsides that make the property so special. Now with kids (and grandkids) of their own, the siblings appreciate the uniqueness of “Sixteen” and the importance of protecting it for their heirs. So, in 2023, they decided to reach out to MLR and revive the easement process.
After nearly twenty years the Bergs were able to honor Harry’s wishes, officially protecting the family’s heirloom on July 31st, 2024. “This is what dad wanted: this place, in one piece, forever,” said Pattie Berg. Closing the easement was an emotional occasion for the family. Harry’s vision of conserving the property was finally achieved, and the collective sense of relief was palpable amongst siblings. “I can feel Dad here today,” said Jack Berg.
Thanks to the generosity and patience of the Berg family, “Sixteen” is now protected forever, as are the elk, moose, mule deer, and black bear that call the ranch home. “This project is representative of all the things MLR values as an organization: open space, water resources, wildlife, and Montana’s agricultural heritage,” said Chad Klinkenborg, MLR’s Southwest Manager. “I’m extremely grateful for the trust the Berg’s placed in us to help protect their family’s legacy and conserve an important piece of Montana.”
Also protected is the original home place at Lennep, which was conserved in partnership with MLR back in 2006. Together, these conservation easements cement a 140-year agricultural legacy started in 1890 by Norwegian immigrant Jakob Berg.
“Without the easement, the property might not stay this way for another decade,” said Larry Berg. “After spending the past 67 years on the ranch, I’m sure of one thing. It’s a piece of heaven and I’m glad to be a part of protecting it.”
