When a 12-acre property adjacent to the park came on the market, it seemed like a natural opportunity for a much-needed expansion because it was the only significant open space remaining near the park. But even though the City of Bozeman had recently approved a $15 million bond for the preservation and creation of trails, open space and parks, the funding would not be available in time to meet the landowner’s need for a quick sale. With the threat of development very real – the property had been under contract at least three different times with residential developers and had included plans for a 118-unit residential development – a solution was needed, and fast.

“This was a conservation opportunity we haven’t ever seen before—and likely won’t again. And when we needed a lender, going with the Fund was a no-brainer. They have outstanding professionals on their team that could work at the pace we needed, and they understood the dynamic, complex nature of our conservation project, enabling us to stay true to our mission throughout the process.”

—Kelly Pohl, Associate Director of Gallatin Valley Land Trust

Lending a Hand

Gallatin Valley Land Trust Executive Director, Penelope Pierce (right) and HAVEN’s Executive Director, Angie Makomenaw (left) on the property. Through our Land Conservation Loan Program, we provided a critical $720,000 loan to Gallatin Valley Land Trust to purchase the property. In a unique example of conservation working for the community, the land trust will sell three acres to HAVEN, a domestic violence shelter and advocacy organization for use as a new shelter site. The remaining land will be purchased by the City of Bozeman as an expansion of the park.

Why This Project Matters

Real estate deals often move quickly, sometimes faster than communities can secure funding for preservation. Our Land Conservation Loan Program supplies ready capital to local nonprofits, enabling them to seize conservation opportunities in their communities before they are lost forever.