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land in rural countryside is very import- ant to that, along with clean water, wild- life habitat and recreational opportuni- ties,” said Paul Travis, executive director of the Flathead Land Trust.
The organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and July is Open Land Month in Montana, offering an opportunity for residents to recognize the agricultural heritage, economic ben- efits and recreational opportunities that are all tied to open land.
The Land Trust is holding events to recognize the milestone, including a community tap night at Tamarack Brew- ing Co. in Lakeside on July 29. A float trip along the Flathead River is scheduled for Aug. 29 and anyone interested is encour- aged to register soon because it is filling up. A bike and bird tour is slated for Sept. 19. The organization’s main event and fundraiser is the barn bash on Sept. 26, hosted at the Diamond B Ranch with live music by Jack Gladstone, Davie Griffith and Phil Aaberg.
The legacy of the Flathead Land Trust is rooted in the conservation tradition of many visionary community members, including the Sowerwine family. Owen Sowerwine was a prominent community figure who helped start Flathead Val- ley Community College. He was also an advocate for conserving vital lands in the mid 20th century in Kalispell. He helped preserve the 442-acre natural area on the south end of town that now bears his name. He also initiated the protection of the north shore of Flathead Lake by help- ing landowners purchase easements that
Paul Travis, executive director of the Flathead Land Trust. GREG LINDSTROM | FLATHEAD BEACON
later became the Flathead Lake Water- fowl Production Area.
After Owen passed away in 1975, David later took charge in preserving the family farm through a conservation ease- ment in 1985.
“You can’t count on the good attitude of every generation to carry on your tra- dition,” David said. “There’s no more new territory like this.”
Organizations like the Land Trust have been criticized for sometimes impeding development and growth.
But Travis, Sowerwine and others see it differently.
“We’re not against development. We’re all about that balance between appropri- ate development and saving our special places, which is the whole reason why people want to live here and why we’re
seeing such a good economy here,” Tra- vis said.
“Open land is the Montana experience. When you think of Montana, you don’t think of an urban place with city streets. You think of open land and scenic views.”
For more information about the Flat- head Land Trust and its 30th anniversary events, visit www.flatheadlandtrust.org.
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JULY 15, 2015 | FLATHEADBEACON.COM
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