NORTHERN YELLOWSTONE OPEN LANDS
Conserving Park County’s Unique Landscapes
Northern Yellowstone Open Lands is a regional initiative of GVLT serving Park County, Montana, landowners and communities who are committed to preserving the region’s unparalleled natural landscapes and working lands.
A Striking Rural Landscape
Home to historic ranches, rich wildlife habitat, wild rivers, and the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, the rural character of Park County inspires locals and visitors alike. This landscape has been stewarded for generations to support local livelihoods, cultural values, iconic wildlife, and inspiring viewsheds. And these treasured open spaces are at risk. Park County lost nearly 40,000 acres of open land to low-density development between 2000 and 2021. These changes threaten the region’s rural identity, wildlife corridors, and the local economy, including the agriculture, tourism, and small businesses that depend on open lands.
Local Focus With Proven Expertise
Park County has long been a focus area for GVLT. Since 1995, we have partnered with willing landowners to complete 21 conservation easements in Park County, protecting over 20,000 acres of working farms and ranches, critical wildlife habitat, and scenic open lands.
In response to growing interest from Park County landowners and conservation partners, we have doubled down on our commitment to create a lasting conservation impact from the headwaters of the Shields River to the northern gateway of Yellowstone National Park. Rooted in GVLT’s proven expertise, Northern Yellowstone Open Lands brings a renewed, place-based focus to conservation in this unique and increasingly threatened landscape.
Our Northern Yellowstone Open Lands Team
Based in our Livingston office, our team of experienced conservationists is dedicated to being a local resource for Park County landowners and community members. This work is strengthened by our partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and landowner groups. Our team is formalizing a local advisory board to guide our Northern Yellowstone work, and we look forward to introducing these members.
-
Cole Herdman
NORTHERN YELLOWSTONE OPEN LANDS PROGRAM MANAGER
-
Kelsie Huyser
NORTHERN YELLOWSTONE OPEN LANDS PROJECT MANAGER
An Accredited Land Trust
Northern Yellowstone Open Lands is a regional initiative of GVLT, nationally accredited through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, and a founding member of the Montana Association of Land Trusts. Northern Yellowstone Open Lands is fully integrated into GVLT’s strategic vision and supported by its staff, Board of Directors, NextGen Advisory Board, and long-standing conservation mission.
Latest News & Projects
Stay Informed
Want to learn more about Northern Yellowstone Open Lands and our land conservation work in Park County? Sign up to receive email updates.