County Gives Nod to Cardwell Easement

Jefferson County officials recently reviewed a proposal from Montana Land Reliance to establish a 195-acre conservation easement in southern Jefferson County. 

The property is located west of Cardwell, along the Jefferson River, and visible from I-90. The current owner, Ruth Lott, hopes to maintain public recreational access to the Jefferson River and preserve the land for wildlife and seasonal grazing. 

According to the proposal provided to the County, the easement would "conserve open space pursuant to several government conservation policies, including the Montana Open Space Land and Voluntary Easement Act and the county's own growth policy." Lott has owned the property since 2006, according to Montana Cadastral records.

The County Planning Board reviewed the easement proposal and, in a letter to Montana Land Reliance dated Nov. 13, stated that its investigation showed the proposed easement fit well into the county's plans. "Overall, the conservation easement appears to be consistent with Jefferson County's comprehensive planning efforts," County Planning Supervisor LaDana Hintz said in the letter.

Generally, conservation easement proposals do not require county approval, as they are considered private transactions. Easement proposals are presented informationally to the County by land trusts that partner with the respective property owners. 

Montana Land Reliance Managing Director Kendall Van Dyk told The Monitor in an email: "State law allows for counties or their planning authority to have 90 days prior to recording to review and comment on conservation easements. This is an important and appropriate level of government oversight into landowners' decisions to conserve their land."

Van Dyk said the Montana Land Reliance has partnered with 19 landowners in Jefferson County to conserve 15,550 acres.