This article appeared on the ABC News website about Bozeman based builder Anders Lewendal. Lewendal is a former economist turned builder who set out to construct a home in Bozeman with only materials made in the USA.
Made in America: A Blueprint for Creating Jobs
Story by David Muir and Ben Forer
In Bozeman, Mont., Anders Lewendal is hard at work building a home he hopes will be a blueprint for creating jobs in America.
Lewendal, an economist turned builder, is constructing a house made entirely from U.S.-made products. Everything from the nails, screws and bolts, to the steel, staples and bathtub is made in the United States.
"Every piece here is made in America," he said.
Lewendal is convinced that if every builder bought just 5 percent more U.S.-made materials, they would create 220,000 jobs. The Boston Consulting Group agrees, confirming that Lewendal's numbers add up.
In all, the U.S.-made house is being built with more than 120 products from more than 33 states. But builders do acknowledge that using American products can be more expensive.
A box of nails is $5 more than those made in China and steel is $146 more a bundle. Even though certain goods are more expensive, in total, the cost of the house is nearly identical, given that other U.S.-made products are cheaper. The all-American home, which is not yet finished, is running only 1 to 2 percent more than a foreign-sourced house.
While some items might be more expensive, the difference in quality is often noticeable. The nails produced by Maze Nails of Peru, Ill., are made using high-carbon steel and a double coat of zinc. The result is that they are stronger, rust proof and jam the nail gun less.
"[We're] one of the last makers of nails in this country," company president Roelif Loveland said.
About 90 percent of nails come from China and, Loveland said, if he could double sales, he could add 25 more jobs.
Many other U.S. companies said the same thing. If Lewendal's idea catches on, they could hire, too. From Gorilla Tape of Cincinnati to a Sherwin-Williams plant in Georgia and a Moen plant in Pennsylvania, companies around the country say if builders bought more American products, it would put people back to work.
ABC News sent Lewendal's list to builders across the country and some responsed immediately.
Contractor Tarek Saad said he started ordering Maze Nails, an architect in Miami said she'll start buying the U.S.-made items that are priced the same as the foreign ones, and Paul Minnis, a remodeler from Michigan, doubled Lewendal's request.
"If 5 percent will make a difference," he wrote, "I am going to try for 10 percent or more American-made products."
The Warming Center shelter for the Bozeman area’s homeless has opened for the season, though it has yet to raise enough money to stay open all winter.
The no-frills Warming Center opened the day after Thanksgiving, five weeks earlier than last year. It is again located in an old office building on the west side of the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, but this winter it has several improvements.
Instead of outhouses, it has an indoor toilet. It has added bunk beds, thanks to donated lumber from Simkins-Hallain Lumber Co. and volunteer labor, so that the maximum number of people it can accommodate has increased from 18 to 24. In addition to cards and a few games for entertainment, it now has a small donated TV that can pick up a few local stations.
Kim Wattam, who worked at the Warming Center last winter during its inaugural season, has been hired as center coordinator. Two people also have been hired as lead workers.
In its first weekend, the Warming Center sheltered seven people.
The plan is to have at least two people on duty every night and to fill one slot with volunteers as much as possible to keep costs down, Gray said. Last winter, college students who volunteered at the shelter used the time to study.
The Greater Gallatin Homeless Action Coalition—a group of local nonprofits including HRDC, United Way, Family Promise and Salvation Army – launched the Warming Center last January for the first time.
It’s intended to offer homeless people a bare-bones place to stay that’s safe and warm, especially when cold weather hits, so that no one freezes to death in Bozeman. This is the only large city in Montana that doesn’t have a permanent homeless shelter.
The center serves no food. It is only open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Clients can go to the Salvation Army weekdays for free breakfasts.
The Warming Center opened for the first time last January. In the three months it was open, it served 70 individuals and offered 950 overnight stays. Local residents donated $39,000 to cover all operating costs.
To stay open for four months this winter, Wattam said the Warming Center will need to raise an estimated $52,000, less if volunteers work some of the nightly shifts. So far, the community has committed $17,000.
The weekend before Thanksgiving, groups of volunteers raised more than $2,000 by standing on street corners holding up signs, as some of the local homeless do. Wattam called it the “first annual flying signs fundraiser.”
Sixteen people, or 23 percent, managed to find both jobs and permanent housing after staying at the Warming Center.
What the Warming Center needs most right now is volunteers and donations, Gray said. Training for volunteers is held every Tuesday at 8 p.m.
In addition, the center could use more pillows and blankets, Wattam said.
Story Courtesy of Bozeman Daily Chronicle
The long, howling cries of wolves broke the silence of a cold morning inside snowy Yellowstone National Park on Monday.
A group of people gathered on the side of a park road heard the calls. One of them was Doug Smith, a senior wildlife biologist at the park and leader of its wolf project.
“The best way to experience wolves is to hear them,” he said.
Wolves surround a bison in Yellowstone National Park
Photo courtesy of National Park Service
Smith was checking in with a crew that’s spent the last month observing the Blacktail wolf pack, which is one of about a dozen in the park. Each year in early winter and in March, crews spend 30 consecutive days tracking, observing and counting wolves.
“It’s a real data engine for us,” Smith said. “It’s one of the most important things we do to understand wolves.”
The early winter study ends Wednesday, and with its conclusion will come new information on wolves, including how many there are, what they’ve hunted, where they’ve lived and how they’ve interacted with other wildlife.
The on-the-ground crews search for wolves with scopes, inspect any recent kills and even cross-country ski to observe wolves in their territory. A bush pilot and biologist fly above wolves each day, letting crews know wolves’ locations via radio.
So the crew cut the elk into several large pieces and hauled it by rope down the road and to the top of a nearby hill – a difficult task considering the animal’s live weight was probably about 500 pounds. Wolves had already consumed the elk’s organs but would likely return to feed on its bones and marrow.
Wolves were restored to the park in 1995, and since then, controversy has surrounded their perceived effect on elk.
Since elk have co-existed with wolves, their population has decreased, Smith said. And yes, wolves have played a role in that —but they are only one factor.
“Everybody thinks that everything that happened after wolves (were reintroduced) happened because of them,” Smith said.
In reality, a combination of wolves, human management and climate changes, such as a 10-year drought and last year’s harsh winter, have led to today’s reduced number of elk. Also, Yellowstone is now home to more predators than there have been in 100 years — including species like cougars and bears.
Fewer elk doesn’t have to be a bad thing, Smith said. The environment is now more balanced. Woody vegetation is growing better, which has resulted in more beavers and songbirds.
Monday, another crew had a scope out to spot members of the Agate Creek wolf pack. The pack tends to stay away from the road, so crew members often ski out to observe them.
“Tracking them the old-fashioned way,” said biologist technician Josh Irving.
Irving described how he’d watched the pack dwindle in size after five of its members died, including its alpha female. The wolf died after being attacked by another pack.
Biologists said violent interactions between packs occur as they spar over territory or kills. Inside the park, Smith said most wolves’ deaths are caused by other wolves. Outside the park, humans cause the most deaths.
After the pack’s alpha female died, another moved in to take its place: wolf 471F, as the biologists know her.
That wolf, Irving said, was born in the Agate Creek pack, but moved to found another pack before returning recently.
“All the packs are definitely unique and have their own personality,” Irving said.
Story Courtesy of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle
The recession and anemic recovery have been hard on businesses, homeowners and job seekers, but it's turned out to be a boon for Montana State University. As more young Americans decide to go to college rather than hunt for work in a tough job market, MSU's enrollment has swollen.
Thanks to those students and to the 5 percent tuition hike students are paying this year, MSU expects to start the school year with money in the bank.
As a result, MSU President Waded Cruzado just announced that she plans to ask the Montana Board of Regents in September to approve pay raises of 1 percent plus $500 this October and 2 percent plus $500 next October for non-union employees, which would be similar to raises negotiated over the summer with union groups.
"It's great news, hopefully, that we can give a little something to our employees," said Terry Leist, MSU's interim vice president for finance. "We're hopeful the regents will approve it."
Despite the loss of nearly $3 million in state dollars this year, there was no gloomy talk of layoffs or budget cuts, no wringing of hands by Budget Council members. Instead, there was talk of having $1.2 million left over as a cushion in case revenues fall short.
There was talk of possibly spending some of the millions from a $7 million rainy day reserve fund to upgrade century-old buildings that still aren't handicapped accessible, to give old classrooms desperately needed renovations and to improve student advising.
The budget shows that by far the biggest share of MSU's money comes from students. MSU has conservatively estimated it will receive $84 million in tuition this year. That's $4 million more than MSU took in last year. And last year was remarkable, for the Bozeman campus ended up getting $5 million more in tuition than expected before fall classes started.
To accommodate the crush of students, the draft budget calls for spending $3 million this year to add class sections, hire additional teachers, increase support services and offer $500,000 more in scholarships to Montana students. "Three-quarters (of the tuition increase) is going directly back to students," Leist said.
Super-big enrollment
So far it looks like MSU's 2011 fall enrollment may be as strong or possibly stronger than last fall, when it hit a record 13,559 students, said Allen Yarnell, vice president for student success. He's a little reluctant to talk about it, for fear of jinxing things.
"If I were guessing, I think we'd have an all-time university high," Yarnell said, and possibly match last year's "super big" freshman class. That, plus the 5 percent tuition hike approved by the regents, "gives you an additional boost in revenues."
Yarnell said he never attributed all of the enrollment increase to the economic downturn. Yes, he said, the economy probably affects Montana high school graduates, who might have just entered the workforce if jobs were more plentiful. But MSU also has been working hard to recruit students, including out-of-state students, whose families can afford higher out-of-state tuition.
The irony of MSU having money to spend is that it can make people more unhappy than when there's scarcity. There's never a shortage of great ideas for spending money on a university campus, and there's never enough to satisfy everyone's desires.
"Sometimes when you have money," Yarnell said, "it's perhaps more challenging than when you don't."
Sunny outlook
Bright and early Wednesday morning, MSU President Waded Cruzado was greeting new students moving into South Hedges dormitory. She chatted with families and helped carry one freshman's clothes and cowboy boots. She beamed about the picture-perfect weather.
Asked about the sunny outlook for MSU's finances, Cruzado said, "We have been very judicious about how we manage our resources.
"What we are trying to do internally is be a more efficient institution, to streamline, eliminate redundancies and costs, so money can be invested in our students, our faculty, our staff," Cruzado said. "We are poised to continue to strengthen this institution."
Donors and alumni who have given generously are also "absolutely key" to MSU, she said, because they support important programs, student scholarships and professorships that help the university hire and keep "extraordinary faculty."
Leist agreed MSU's outlook for the year is bright, but also expressed concern there could be clouds on the horizon. What if, over the long term, MSU isn't able to sustain huge student enrollments?
"If the economy gets better, if construction jobs are available, that's a tough decision for an 18-year-old," Leist said. That's why the campus has been cautious about committing dollars to the permanent budget, preferring to give departments one-time-only money the last three or four years. This year, that's starting to change for the first time, he said.
Montana students supported last May the plan to raise tuition 5 percent both this year and next year, Leist said, because they wanted to ensure the university programs maintain their quality. Compared to many other states, Montana's tuition increases were relatively low.
"Our salaries are about 70 percent of peer institutions," Leist said. "There's a lot of work to be done for us to be competitive with salaries. "Even in this bad economy, for us to recruit faculty from around the country is extremely difficult, for any position that needs a national or regional search."
It's that time of year again, time for Bozeman Hawks Football!
Below is the complete schedule for Bozeman Varsity Football.
HAWK FOOTBALL
2011 - 2012
BOZEMAN HIGH SCHOOL
Date Day Team Place Time
AUG 20 SAT RED/BLACK SCRIMMAGE HOME
AUG 27 SAT MISSOULA SENTINEL AWAY 7:00
SEPT 2 FRI GREAT FALLS HIGH HOME 7:00
SEPT 9 FRI BILLINGS WEST AWAY 7:30
SEPT 16 FRI MISSOULA BIG SKY AWAY 4:00
SEPT 23 FRI GLACIER - HOMECOMING HOME 7:00
SEPT 30 FRI BUTTE HOME 7:00
OCT 6 THU BILLINGS SKYVIEW AWAY 7:30
OCT 14 FRI FLATHEAD HOME 7:00
OCT 21 FRI MISSOULA HELLGATE HOME 7:00
OCT 27 THU BILLINGS SENIOR AWAY 7:30
NOV 4 FRI 1ST RD PLAYOFFS TBA TBA
NOV 11 FRI SEMI-FINALS TBA TBA
NOV 18 FRI STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TBA TBA
Schedules are subject to change. Please check website at www.bsd7.org/activities, or call office at 522-6237.
PureWest is southwestern Montana's exclusive affiliate for Christie's Great Estates. My focus is representing sellers of luxury residential and large ranch properties & buyers in all market segments.
Jason’s upbringing on a working cattle ranch in North Dakota has instilled him with a deep appreciation and practical knowledge of large parcels of land. After earning a BS in Animal and Range Sciences from North Dakota State University, he gained invaluable business experience as a commercial banker in Colorado. In 2005, Jason settled in Montana, initially serving as a consultant for a real estate development firm. He eventually became a partner, managing all incoming sales traffic and inquiries and assisting with daily operations and marketing. This is the depth of understanding that he brings to his work as a licensed realtor. Jason is a lover of all things outdoors—fishing, hiking, hunting, snowboarding and SCUBA diving—but his true passion is spending time with his wife, Audrey and their children, Connor, Claira and Cate.
As a member of the Christie's Great Estates network, PureWest represents buyers and sellers in the luxury residential, resort and ranch markets of Southwest Montana. I personally represent properties in the luxury residential and ranch markets. Wether your criteria calls for an architecturally significant residence within the communities of Paradise Valley, Bozeman or Big Sky,or conversely an expansive unimproved ranch property to build your Montana dream home on, I possess the connections and market awareness to take your criteria and match you to properties that most closely match your "perfect" fit.
Active Rain profile
Who I am and what I do:
Welcome and thank you for taking interest in who I am. Life takes us all in several directions and we all are a combination of many things, both in an amateur and professional capacity. Who I am is a father, husband, brother and friend. What I do professionally is act as a consultant to folks looking to buy or sell real estate in SW Montana. What I do on an amateur level is much more varied. As a combination Renaissance man and jack of all trades I find interest in a varied selection of pastimes. Most notably I enjoy spending time with my wife and three children, but when it comes to specialized information or processes, I enjoy scuba diving, home improvement projects, fly fishing, hunting, golf, fly tying, reloading ammunition, hiking, reading, weightlifting, woodworking, mechanics, livestock and travel.
How to find me:
In today’s world of constant contact, laptop computers, cell phones, Tweets, Facebook updates, Foursquare check ins and being pulled in altogether too many directions, I take a certain amount of pleasure in getting lost every once in a while….not for days at a time mind you, but for an hour, or a morning, sometimes an entire Saturday. I mean “getting lost” in the proverbial sense, although getting lost in the literal sense will tell you a lot about yourself as well….and I do not mean between the gym and heading to morning coffee. I mean in nature, the wild, with no cell phones or paved roads, where self reliance is paramount to your being able to laugh about the incidence with friends. If we are both fortunate you will find me hiking in the Gallatin National Forest or the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Alternatively, we may cross paths while fly-fishing on the Yellowstone, Madison or Gallatin Rivers. If I am landing fish and you are not, come ask me what I am using, chances are I’ll give you the pattern I’m using and let you cast where I just did.
If you are not going to be in my corner of Montana anytime soon and you would like to “find” me, I am a digital guy as well and any one of the following will get you personal contact from me:
Jason.Frey@PureWestProperties.com
Cell Phone 406-579-4582
Please feel free to contact me to discuss the real estate opportunities that await you in SW Montana.
Who is PureWest?
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PureWest is the exclusive affiliate for Christie’s International Real Estate in SW Montana. Our affiliation covers 22 counties in Montana in a geographic area that includes the resort community of Big Sky, the college communities of Bozeman, Helena, Dillon and Great Falls, as well as untold miles of prime river frontage, expansive acreages of investment quality ranch properties, and luxury homes in these markets. Our offices are in Big Sky’s town center, downtown Bozeman and at the entrance to Paradise Valley in Livingston.
Our team is made up of a core group of seasoned professionals who know their markets and strive to provide not only sound advice for clients buying and selling real estate, but also to give advice on how to enjoy the lifestyle offered by the natural surroundings of our part of Montana. Life is meant to be experienced; we are firm believers in that. PureWest – Life Wide Open.
What is Christie’s International Real Estate?
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Luxury Real Estate Specialists Worldwide
Drawing upon their success as one of the world’s oldest art auction houses, Christie’s implemented an innovative real estate venture in 1995. Integrating centuries of experience with a hand-selected network of talented brokers, Christie’s International Real Estate was formed to satisfy the lifestyle requirements of discerning clientele. The marketing of fine art and high-end properties proved to be a natural combination, resulting in a real estate marketing powerhouse driven by the passion and success of the Christie’s name and the local connections and expertise of seasoned brokers.
By cultivating this unique balance of worldwide scope with a personal touch; Christie’s International Real Estate has become a global authority on the effective marketing of fine properties, providing insightful advisory support along with sensitivity and intelligence. Finely tuned marketing services and a commitment to the business philosophy established by Christie’s in 1766 define a brand based on trust, integrity, discretion, and excellence.
Accomplished luxury real estate agents across the globe
The search to buy or sell luxury properties begins with the right broker. Christie’s International Real Estate has made that selection process easier for you.
Only the most accomplished real estate brokers at the top of their markets are invited to join the Affiliate network. We undertake an exhaustive vetting procedure, examining all aspects of their business, their history, their character, and their potential. Once we determine that a broker is a leader in their field, exceeds our stringent service standards, and demonstrates a proven record of success, they are awarded the Christie’s International Real Estate Affiliate status, entering into a formal contractual relationship.
As the leading network of real estate brokers dedicated to the marketing and sale of luxury homes, we can provide you with a global platform with localized connections to buy or sell your fine property. In markets from Stockholm to Rio de Janeiro, you will have assistance from a local professional who speaks the language, knows the neighborhoods, and is in tune with the culture of the community, giving you immediate access to the knowledge you need.
Contact a luxury real estate broker who is qualified to help you market your property successfully or find you the ideal home.
Integrity, expertise, and exemplary service since 1766
Established in London more than 240 years ago by James Christie, the auction house today is a renowned international organization that conducts some of the most important auctions in the world. The Christie’s brand exudes quality and prestige, while honoring the traditional values established throughout its illustrious history.
Currently, Christie’s holds more than 450 sales a year in over 80 categories, including fine art, jewelry, photography, wine, and collectibles. As the auction house of choice for influential art connoisseurs and collectors, Christie’s is anticipating the future by organizing initiatives in emerging markets as well as expanding auction categories and value ranges of sales.
An inventive lead-generation system between Christie’s and Christie’s International Real Estate creates a mutually beneficial synergy between art and real estate, building a world-class platform for the highly targeted marketing of distinguished properties.
The award-winning showcase for distinctive properties
Rich with striking photography, elegant design, and engaging descriptions, Christie’s International Real Estate magazine is a keepsake publication. Produced four times a year, the magazine reaches approximately one million readers annually. A targeted mailing list ensures that each issue is sent to individuals of exceptional means, including the world’s wealthiest homeowners, international entrepreneurs, business leaders, and celebrities.
Christie’s International Real Estate magazine is available at newsstands, fine bookstores, fashionable hotels, private airport lounges, and Affiliate offices across the world. It is also distributed at important Christie’s auctions in cities such as Hong Kong, New York, Dubai, London, Milan, Geneva, and Paris.
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What Makes SW Montana Special Quick Stats: The park is comprised primarily of high, forested, volcanic plateaus that have been eroded over several millennia by glaciations and stream flows. These volcanic plateaus are flanked on the north, east, and south by mountains and the Continental Divide traverses the park from its southeastern corner to its western boundary. Park elevation averages 8,000 feet and ranges from 5,282 feet in the north, where the Gardner River drains from the Park, to 11,358 at the summit of Eagle Peak located in the Absaroka Mountain Range. Park Wildlife: Grizzly Bear - As one of the most formidable predators in the lower 48 states, grizzly bears command a significant amount of attention and respect from Park visitors. Mature adults can weighing in at 500 pounds or more and only Alaska's brown bear and polar bear are larger. Because of widespread persecution by settlers, grizzlies have vanished from most of their original habitat. The last of the great bears were killed in the 1920s and 1930s, except for those in Yellowstone and parts of Montana where they were protected. Today, about 300 grizzlies live in and around Yellowstone. Contrary to popular belief, grizzlies don't hibernate, but go into a semi-dormant state in the winter. They often wander about outside their dens during periods of mild weather. Their dietary preferences include practically anything digestible, but in the summer, they feed extensively on seeds of white bark pines as well as moths. Grizzlies are efficient hunters, capable of running down and catching large animals but will also scavenge. In the spring and early summer, elk calves are an especially prized portion of their diets. The animals are powerfully built and equipped with large claws that can extend over 4 inches from the end of the front toe. The best place to see grizzlies in Yellowstone is in the Mount Washburn area, in Hayden Valley and in the general vicinity of Fishing Bridge. Outside the park, you can often see grizzlies outside the East Gate, from the gate to Pahaska Tepee and along the Shoshone River toward Cody. WY. Bighorn Sheep - Bighorn sheep historically had significant populations in the western United States numbering several million and were an important food source for humans. A Native American culture called "Sheep Eaters" were related to the Shoshoni tribe and lived year-round in Yellowstone until 1880. Their principal food was bighorn sheep and they made their bows from sheep horns. Bighorn sheep are named for the large, curved horns displayed by the males, or rams. Females, or ewes, also have horns, but they are short with only a slight curvature. Bighorns range in color from light brown to grayish or dark, chocolate brown, with a white rump and lining on the back of all four legs. Rocky Mountain bighorn females weigh up to 200 pounds, and males will occasionally exceed 300 pounds. During the mating season or "rut", occurring in November and December, the rams butt heads in apparent sparring for females. Rams' horns can weigh more than 40 pounds, and frequently show broken or "broomed" tips from repeated clashes. Lambs, usually only one per mother, are born in May and June. Bighorns graze grasses and browse shrubby plants, particularly in fall and winter, and seek minerals at natural deposits. Bighorns are well adapted to climbing steep terrain where they seek cover from predators such as coyotes, eagles, and mountain lions. They are susceptible to disease contracted from their domestic cousins, and as such, their introduction into other parts of Montana has been difficult. Bison - The American Bison is the largest mammal species in Yellowstone National Park. They are strictly vegetarian, and utilize grasslands that range from both the lower and upper elevations of the Park. Bison males, called bulls, can weigh in excess of 1,800 pounds. Females (cows) average about 1,000 pounds. Both stand approximately six feet tall at the shoulder and can move with surprising speed. Bison breed from mid-July to mid-August, and bear one calf in April or May. Some wolf predation of bison is documented in Canada and has recently been observed in Yellowstone. Yellowstone is the only place in the lower 48 states where a population of wild bison has persisted since prehistoric times, although fewer than 50 native bison remained here in 1902. Fearing extinction, the park imported 21 bison from two privately-owned herds, as foundation stock for a bison ranching project that spanned 50 years at the Buffalo Ranch in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley. Through intensive management, by 1996 bison numbers had increased to about 3,500. Elk - Elk are the most abundant large mammal found in Yellowstone Park and paleontological evidence confirms their continuous presence for, at a minimum, the last 1,000 years. Currently more than 30,000 elk from 7-8 different herds summer in Yellowstone. That number decreases slightly during the winter to approximately 15,000 to 22,000. Adult males, or bulls, range upwards of 700 pounds while females, or cows, average 500-525 pounds making elk the second largest member of the deer family next to moose. Their coats are reddish brown with heavy, darker-colored manes and a distinct yellowish rump patch. Bulls grow antlers annually from the time they are nearly one year old. When mature, a bull's "rack" may have 6 to 8 points on each side and weigh more than 30 pounds. The antlers are usually shed in March or April, and begin re-growth in May. The onset of the process occurs when bony growths from the skull of the animal is nourished by blood vessels and covered by furry-looking "velvet." Antler growth ceases each year by August, when the velvet dries up and bulls begin to rub it off in preparation for the autumn mating season or rut. A single bull may gather 20-30 cows into his breeding group during the mating season, often clashing or locking antlers with another mature male for the privilege of dominating the herd group. By November, mating season ends and elk generally move to their winter ranges. Calves weigh 25-40 pounds at birth and are usually born in late May or early June. Gray Wolf - Thanks to a controversial but very successful reintroduction program, wolves are now present in Yellowstone after an absence of almost 70 years. Several dozen wolves were captured in Canada and relocated to Yellowstone In March 1995. Those animals have done remarkably well, reproducing at a rapid rate and establishing several breeding pair throughout the Park and neighboring areas. Wolves prey on a variety of species, most notably elk in the Yellowstone area, but will also pursue moose, deer, sheep and other animals. Gray wolves like many wolf species, live and hunt in packs. The pack consists of the adult parents, called the alpha pair, and their offspring of perhaps the last two to three years. Adult gray wolves mate for life, pairs mate in the winter and in about nine weeks time anywhere from two to 14 pups are born. The pups are born blind and other females will assist in caring for the litter until the pups are able to travel with the pack, which is usually three to five months. The adult parents are usually unrelated and other unrelated wolves may sometimes join the pack. Pack size is highly variable because of three main factors: birth of pups, dispersion of adults, and mortality. Generally, a gray wolf pack has from six to eight wolves; however packs in areas like northern Canada and Alaska can have up to thirty members. Gray wolf territories in the lower 48 can be from twenty-five to one-hundred fifty square miles. Adult female gray wolves will weigh between fifty and eighty-five pounds, while males will be larger, approximately seventy to one-hundred ten pounds and can in some cases reach one-hundred thirty pounds. Gray wolves primarily prey on large animals. Elk, deer, moose, and even mountain goats are possible prey. They will also take medium sized game such as beaver, and snowshoe hare, in addition they will occasionally take small rodents (shrews, mice, and voles) and birds. Gray wolves in the wild have an average life span of six to eight years, but have been known to live up to 13 years in the wild and up to 16 years in captivity. The natural causes of wolf mortality are primarily starvation, which kills most pups (young), and death from other wolves due to territorial disputes. Additionally, there are also deaths from injury due to chasing prey. Pup mortality rates are highly variable but somewhere between 40 and 60 percent of pups will die each year. Things to Do in Yellowstone Fly Fishing Yellowstone Park There are over a hundred lakes and a thousand miles of streams in Yellowstone National Park; nowhere in the world are so many public rivers and streams found in such a condensed area. Seven varieties of game fish live in Yellowstone: cutthroat, rainbow, brown, brook, and lake trout, along with grayling and mountain whitefish. Only cutthroats, grayling, and mountain whitefish are native to the Park. The first river to clear from snowmelt is the Firehole; it's often the only game in the Park on the opener, and each May a group of Firehole River regulars eagerly awaits the Memorial Day weekend. The Firehole usually offers great dry-fly fishing during afternoon mayfly hatches and continues to do so until the end of June. By the second week of June, the Gibbon and Madison Rivers drop and clear, the ice comes off Yellowstone Lake, and the fishing season is under way for other waters. One by one the Parks Rivers run clear of snowmelt, and most become fishable by July 4. Usually, the last rivers to clear are the Yellowstone and Lamar in early July. There is no "best" time to fish Yellowstone Park. Each month of the short season offers its own style of best fishing. From the season opener in late May through the end of June, the best places to fish are the Firehole, Gibbon, Madison, and Lewis Rivers, and both Yellowstone and Trout Lakes, when they open on June 1st. In July, all waters become fishable in the Park, including the small streams. Insect hatches are at their peak in July, and this is a favorite time for dry-fly fishers. The Firehole and Madison Rivers are two exceptions, however, because a combination of thermal water and summer heat raises their water temperatures into the 80s. Fishing is slow on these two rivers until water temperatures drop in early September. July and August are our fair-weather months, with the most consistent hatches and favorable stream conditions. August is the best time for lake fishing in the Park. This is a great time to fish the backcountry lakes in Yellowstone, as the mosquitoes and biting flies thin. All rivers except the Firehole and Madison continue to fish well through the month. As the aquatic insect emergences wane, terrestrials play an increasingly important role in the trout diet. Imitations of grasshoppers, ants, crickets, and beetles are a mainstay in the angler's arsenal until the end of the season. During the late season, September and October, only a few hatches remain. The big Green Drakes appear on the Lamar River and Slough Creek, along with tiny Blue-Winged Olives and midges. The Firehole and Madison Rivers become fishable again and produce excellent hatches of BWOs and midges. October is the best month to come if you want to catch the large migrating fish in the Madison and Lewis Rivers. As spawning time approaches and the weather becomes more winter-like, these big trout become aggressive and territorial, attacking baitfish imitations and other large streamer flies. Junior Ranger Program Yellowstone National Park has an official Junior Ranger Program open to children ages 5 - 12. The goal of the program is to introduce children to the natural wonders of Yellowstone and their role in preserving them for the future. To become a Junior Ranger, families pay a $3 fee for the 12-page activity paper, Yellowstone's Nature, available at any visitor center. After completing the age appropriate requirements described in the paper and reviewing their work with a ranger at any visitor center, participants are awarded an official Yellowstone Junior Ranger patch. Modeled after the National Park Service patch, Junior Ranger patches feature a stylized bear track for 8-12 year olds, a wolf track for 5-7 year olds, and a snowflake for all winter junior rangers. Requirements include attending a Ranger-led program, hiking on a park trail, and completing activities on various park resources, issues, and concepts such as geothermal geology, park wildlife, and fire ecology. Some winter activities require the use of a thermometer and hand lens, so make sure you ask to check out a Junior Ranger Snowpack. Snowpack's are available at both the Mammoth and Old Faithful visitor centers and snowshoes may be checked out in Mammoth. Both children and adults benefit by sharing the fun of becoming a Junior Ranger. Hiking Yellowstone National Park, encompassing 2.2 million acres, is one of America's premier wilderness areas. Most of the park is backcountry and managed as wilderness. Over 1,100 miles (1770 km) of trails are available for hiking. However, there are dangers inherent in wilderness: unpredictable wildlife, changing weather conditions, remote thermal areas, cold water lakes, turbulent streams, and rugged mountains with loose, "rotten" rock. Visiting wilderness means experiencing the land on its terms. If you choose to explore and enjoy the natural wonders of Yellowstone, there is no guarantee of your safety. Be prepared for any situation. Carefully read all backcountry guidelines and regulations. There are numerous trails suitable for day hiking. Begin your hike by stopping at a ranger station or visitor center for information. Trail conditions may change suddenly and unexpectedly. Bear activity, rain or snow storms, high water, and fires may temporarily close trails. At a minimum, carry water, a raincoat or poncho, a warm hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. It is recommended that you hike with another person. No permit is required for day hiking. Backpacking & Backcountry Yellowstone has a designated backcountry campsite system, and a Backcountry Use Permit is required for all overnight stays. Each designated campsite has a maximum limit for the number of people and stock allowed per night. The maximum stay per campsite varies from 1 to 3 nights per trip. Campfires are permitted only in established fire pits. Wood fires are not allowed in some backcountry campsites. A food storage pole is provided at most designated campsites so that food and attractants may be secured from bears. Permits may be obtained only in person and no more than 48 hours in advance of your trip. Permits are available from most ranger stations and visitor centers. In order to obtain the best information on trail conditions, permits should be obtained from the ranger station or visitor center nearest to the area where your trip is to begin. The Backcountry Use Permit is valid only for the itinerary and dates specified. Backcountry travelers must have their permits in possession while in the backcountry. Wildlife Photography Everybody we know who has gotten hooked on photographing wildlife started out the same way: they simply found wild animals fascinating, wanted to know more about them, and most importantly wanted to experience them in their natural environment. But if ever there was a hobby that requires patience, this is it. Diehard wildlife photographers will sit for hours in cold, lonely blinds, enduring bug bites and miserable weather conditions for the chance to photograph a deer coming out to graze or a moose feeding along the edge of a lake. Even when you have a subject that seems to be cooperative, there are many other issues. Is he doing something interesting? Is he in the right light? Can you capture him going that fast? What about the background? All inexperienced wildlife enthusiasts can point to boxes of film that were wasted because, even though they caught the animal, the composition, lighting, or pose just wasn't worthwhile. Learning to take good wildlife photos is one of the most rewarding aspects of outdoor photography, but it requires skill, patience, and a good degree of luck. At the end of the day, though, we think you'll find that the rewards are not just in the pictures you take, but in the incredible sense of wonder you get from sharing a wild animal's world for just a little while.
Yellowstone National Park - Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park is the flagship of the National Park Service and a favorite to millions of visitors each year. The park is a major destination for all members of the family. By driving the grand loop road, visitors can view the park from the comfort of their vehicle and also take a rest at one of the many roadside picnic areas. For the active visitor, the park has thousands of miles of trails from day hikes to backcountry explorations. The main attractions are all located on the grand loop road and here are some of the top reasons to visit the park.
* World's First National Park
* 2,219,789 acres (Larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined)
* Wildlife - 7 species of ungulates (bison, moose, elk, gray wolf, pronghorn), 2 species of bear and 67 other mammals, 322 species of birds, 16 species of fish
* Plants - There are over 1,100 species of native plants, more than 200 species of exotic plants and over 400 species of thermopholes
* Geology - The Park is home to one of the world's largest calderas with over 10,000 thermal features and more than 300 geysers. It has one of the world's largest petrified forests. It has over 290 waterfalls with the 308' Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River as its showpiece
* Yellowstone Lake is the largest (132 sq. mi.) high altitude (7,732') lake in North America.
* 9 visitor centers
* 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 improved campsites in total
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My role to you is one of a consultant. You rely on my experience to assist you in making decisions that as a seller will convey your property in a timely manner while capturing the highest amount of value for you based upon current market conditions. You rely on my experience to assist you in making decisions that as a buyer will mean that you have purchased a property that fits your lifestyle and needs as well as to negotiate a fair price for the property based upon its condition, location, amenities and the current market conditions.
My goal is to inform and educate, to ensure that the process is as seamless as possible for you and your family. You may not always like what I have to say, but if it is what you need to hear I will not withhold information or opinions that will assist you in reaching your ultimate goal.
For Buyers
The decision to buy a luxury property or second home in Montana is as much a lifestyle choice as a real estate one. The professional team at PureWest understands these specialized lifestyle decisions, and can provide you with valuable insight into the full range of homes for sale and property opportunities that ideally fit your needs.
Our seasoned sales professionals specialize in helping our clients locate the finest property within Bozeman, Big Sky, Gallatin and Paradise Valley as well as the Madison River Valley, and collectively represent the most experienced luxury real estate resources in Montana. Purchasing your next property through PureWest ensures an efficient and enjoyable process focused on your specific real estate goals.
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Bozeman and Big Sky real estate can be considered among the best, most desirable in the nation. Successful selling requires the intuitive touch of an experienced agent who intimately knows the Montana real estate market -- and the specific needs and triggers that influence potential luxury buyers -- in today’s ever-changing marketplace.
Providing timely and thorough exposure of your Montana property to qualified, serious buyers is one of the most important elements in consummating a successful property sale. With nearly a century of combined career experience, the team at PureWest specializes in attracting and engaging potential buyers of Big Sky, Bozeman, the Gallatin Valley, Madison River Valley and Paradise Valley’s finest property opportunities. From our three convenient Brokerage Office locations – Big Sky, Bozeman, and Paradise Valley -- our Agents have deep experience in the local real estate markets they serve.
According to industry reports, over 80% of buyers begin their real estate search on the Internet, and this statistic is rapidly climbing. New technologies constantly allow sellers and their agents to cast an enormous global net when promoting property. Listing your Big Sky or Bozeman property on PureWest, Christie’s Great Estates, LuxuryRealEstate.com and Realtor.com and other syndicated websites sites provides international exposure to the serious Montana buyers of today who are conveniently seeking luxury homes, condos, town homes, unimproved land and ranch properties.
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Conservation Easements
(Information via Montana Land Reliance)
An Introduction to Conservation Easements
What is a Conservation Easement?
A conservation easement is the legal glue that binds a property owner's good intentions to the land in perpetuity. Donors of conservation easements retain title to their property. They grant conservation easements to protect their land from inappropriate development. A conservation easement runs with the title to the property regardless of changes in future ownership.
Granting an easement can yield tax savings. Think of land ownership as holding a bundle of rights that may include the right to subdivide, construct buildings, irrigate, harvest timber or restrict access. A landowner may sell or donate the whole bundle of rights or just one or two of those rights. To give away certain rights for the purpose of conservation, while retaining others, a property owner grants a deed of conservation easement to a land trust like the Montana Land Reliance (MLR). The donation of an easement may qualify as a charitable contribution. As such, it may reduce income, estate and gift taxes.
What are the Terms of a Conservation Easement?
A conservation easement spells out the uses that are consistent and inconsistent with the conservation values desired by the landowner. It is a voluntary agreement between a landowner and the Montana Land Reliance. No two conservation easements are alike. Each is tailored to the unique character of the land and the conservation desires of its owner(s).
The following are general examples of the types of uses that can be allowed by a conservation easement:
Types of uses that are generally restricted by a conservation easement include:
A conservation easement assigns three "positive rights" to MLR:
The terms of the easement do not in any way negate or modify state or federal law. Specifically, a conservation easement cannot prevent condemnation.
What are the Legal Requirements?
Montana law authorizes the grant of conservation easements to qualified private organizations. It requires that the county planning authority review the easement and give non-binding advice about the easement's effect on the county's comprehensive plan, if one exists. Finally, the law requires that the deed of conservation easement be duly recorded.
Federal law governs only the tax treatment of a conservation easement as a charitable gift. While you should consult your attorney or a person knowledgeable of federal requirements, in general the following major rules apply in order to receive a tax benefit:
What are the Steps in Donating a Conservation Easement?
Once the decision has been made to donate a conservation easement, the landowner and the Montana Land Reliance agree on the specific terms of the easement. MLR prepares a resource report to document the condition of the property at the time the easement is donated. If the landowner intends to apply for a charitable income tax deduction, he or she must secure a subordination of any mortgage or contract holders, procure an appraisal and assure that mineral right ownership does not inhibit the placement of the conservation easement.
What are the Potential Tax Benefits?
(For more detail information - see Tax Implications)
When a conservation easement meets federal requirements as a charitable gift, the donor of the easement may be entitled to a reduction in income and/or estate taxes.
Income Tax
The value of the easement as a charitable gift is determined by a qualified appraiser who values the property before and after the easement restrictions are applied. The difference between these two values is the amount of the charitable gift for tax purposes. This gift amount is treated as a regular charitable contribution. There are limiting provisions. If the basis (usually purchase price) of the property is used as the before-easement value of the property, the deduction is limited to a maximum of 50 percent of the donor's adjusted gross income in that year. Any unused balance of the gift is limited to a maximum deduction of 50 percent of the adjusted gross income each year for the next five years. If the before-easement value of the property is determined by a qualified appraisal (rather than the basis as above), then the deduction is limited to a maximum of 30 percent of the donor's adjusted gross income in the year of the donation and each year for the next five years. Generally, where property has appreciated in value, the 30 percent option may be more advantageous. The 50 percent election is generally more appropriate for taxpayers whose property has been recently acquired and has appreciated little.
Estate and Gift Taxes
Conservation easements will ordinarily result in a reduction of the property value for estate and gift purposes. This can ease the financial burden of passing the property on to heirs. Conservation easements are a significant and useful estate planning tool. The amount of value reduction is unique to each property, but is generally the difference between its subdivision development value and its agricultural value.
Corporate Income Tax
In the event that the property owner is a corporation, the easement gift may be deducted against 10 percent of the corporation's annual net income before the year of donation with any unused balance limited to 10 percent of the annual net income each year for the next five years.
What Happens after the Easement is in Place?
Once a conservation easement is signed, MLR and the landowner begin a working relationship to assure that the intended conservation becomes a reality. MLR is not in the day-to-day land management business. Landowners continue to make all of their property management decisions while the easement limits only the broad parameters of land use, such as subdivision, commercial development, construction and surface mining. Annual monitoring visits are conducted by MLR stewardship staff. These visits foster good communication with the landowner and an opportunity to answer questions or respond to concerns. In many ways the conservation easement is a working partnership for the land. Mutual respect and clear understanding of easement terms have helped avoid potential conflict. Over our 20-year history, this system has served landowners well. Only a few minor easement infractions have occurred, and they have been resolved by voluntary compliance.
If You Need More Information
This page is intended to provide an overview of the conservation easement process. It is not intended to provide definitive legal or tax advice. If you need more specific information or would like to discuss a conservation easement donation, write or call one of our offices.
MONTANA LAND RELIANCE
324 Fuller Avenue, PO Box 355, Helena, MT 59624-0355
406-443-7027, fax 406-443-7061
info@mtlandreliance.org
Tax Implications of Conservation Easements
Estate & Income Tax Considerations
Tax incentives help many landowners take advantage of conservation opportunities. The potential tax benefits of a donated conservation easement are two-fold. First, income tax benefits may accrue at the federal level and depending on the landowner’s residence, the state level as well. Second, the conservation easement works as an estate planning tool to reduce estate tax liability, thereby allowing family ranches and farms to be passed from generation to generation with the potential of a substantially lower tax burden. Conservation easements by law do not affect Montana property tax levels.
Qualifying for a Tax Deduction
To qualify for a tax deduction, your donation must be considered a charitable gift by the Internal Revenue Service. To ensure your gift meets IRS requirements, it is strongly recommended the proposed gift be reviewed by an experienced attorney or accountant. A deductible, charitable donation can be made only to an IRS-qualified, tax-exempt organization. It must be a gift motivated by a charitable intent and not granted as a requirement for getting something in return. For example, a conservation easement donated by a developer, in exchange for government approval of a subdivision, is not considered a gift. A gift must also be complete and irrevocable, without strings or contingences.
Qualifying for a Conservation Easement Appraisal
For tax deductions on gifts worth more than $5,000 (other than cash and publicly traded securities), landowners must obtain a “qualified appraisal” by a “qualified appraiser.” (These terms are defined by the tax code, check with your attorney or accountant for details.) You should consult with a professional appraiser who has direct experience with charitable gifts or easements. The Montana Land Reliance can refer you to appraisers with experience in this field, but cannot provide the appraisal. The appraisal cost is a necessary expense if you wish to pursue a charitable tax deduction.
INCOME TAX
Contribution Value
For illustrative purposes, let’s assume you are the owner of a ranch and you would like to donate a conservation easement on the property. Working with MLR staff, you negotiate the terms of the easement, which continues agricultural use, protects wetlands and important wildlife habitat, allows for potential construction of an additional residence, precludes commercial development, subdivision and surface mining, and prevents any commercial waste dumping.
To quantify the value of the charitable contribution generated by the donation of the easement, you must obtain a “qualified appraisal” by a “qualified appraiser.” As recipient of the donated conservation easement, MLR needs to be detached from the appraisal process. In this example, the appraisal sets the fair market value of the ranch at $2 million. This is the value of the property before the conservation easement.
The appraisal also consists of data on sales of comparable properties already under conservation easement, data on the sale of developed and undeveloped comparable properties, information on appraised values of other conservation easements, and the specific terms of this conservation easement. All of this information is used to arrive at the market value of the property after the conservation easement is in place.
Before conservation easement property value
=
$2,100,000
After conservation easement property value
=
$1,400,000
Value of charitable contribution
=
$700,000
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NOTE: The before value of a conservation easment donated within the first 12 months of purchasing a property must be your basis, or what you paid for the property.
The 50% Limitation New in 2006
Federal tax law generally allows a maximum deduction of 50 percent of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in any given year through the donation of a conservation easement on a property. However, you can use the 50 percent deduction for up to 16 years until the value of the charitable contribution is used up. In our example, the value of the charitable contribution generated through the donation of the conservation easement is $700,000. Let’s assume that the landowner’s annual AGI is $140,000, which remains constant. The deduction resulting from the easement is as follows: (50 percent of $140,000 = $70,000).
Easement Deduction
Year 1
$70,000
The actual tax reduction is a function of your income tax bracket. In this case, in Year 1 the landowner would apply his or her tax rate to a $70,000 AGI instead of $140,000 AGI.
Year 2
$70,000
Year 3
$70,000
Year 4
$70,000
Year 5
$70,000
Year 6
$70,000
Year 7
$70,000
Year 8
$70,000
Year 9
$70,000
Year 10
$70,000
Year 11
$0
Total
$700,000
100% Deductibilty For Qualified Farmers & Ranchers New In 2006
The second important change provided by the new federal tax provision entitles a landowner who meets the tests for “qualified farmers and ranchers” is allowed to take the deduction up to 100% of AGI (for individuals), or up to 100% of taxable income (for corporations), also with a 15-year carry forward.
According to the new statute, “qualified farmer or rancher” means a taxpayer whose “gross income” from the business of farming (as defined under Section 2032A(e)(5) of the tax code) is greater than 50% of the taxpayer’s gross income for the taxable year in which the conservation easement is donated. This definition applies to individuals, partnerships, and to corporations. For purposes of this incentive, farming, ranching, other kinds of agricultural activities, and forestry use will satisfy the requirements of the statute.
Deductibility of Easement Costs
Some of the costs incurred in making a charitable contribution are themselves deductible. Legal and appraisal fees and costs associated with compilation of the “Resource Documentation Report” can generally be deducted as business expenses if, in combination with other miscellaneous deductions, they exceed 2 percent of your adjusted gross income. Any cash or securities given to endow stewardship of a conserved property are considered charitable contributions.
Estate Tax — Succession Planning
Federal estate tax is based on the fair market value of the property at the time of the landowner’s death, not the original purchase price or current use value. This can be a significant and potentially debilitating tax burden for farm and ranch families whose land values have appreciated over time, particularly if the appreciated value is due largely to increased development value. Sometimes caught unaware and without the benefit of estate planning, ranch families may have to subdivide and sell some of their land just to meet the estate tax obligations. Conservation easements can be a useful estate planning tool to reduce estate tax liability and allow ranches to remain in the family.
Generally the first $2,000,000 in assets (including land) that an individual gives during his or her lifetime, or holds at the time of their death, is not subject to estate tax. Married couples may pass on $4,000,000 of property tax-free to their heirs through their estate. The estate tax exclusion increases from $2,000,000 in 2008 to $3,500,000 in 2009. The federal estate tax rate levied on the amounts that exceed these exemptions is 46% in 2006 and 45% for years 2007–2009. Conservation easements reduce the fair market value of the property by restricting the amount and kind of development that may occur. This reduction in fair market value also reduces the value of the estate.
Changes In Individual Estate
And Gift Tax Exclusions
Year of Death
Estate Tax
Exclusion*
2006
$2,000,000
2007
$2,000,000
2008
$2,000,000
2009
$3,500,000
*Exclusion amount is per individual
For example: The Jones family has owned a ranch in the Madison Valley for three generations. The parents are in their mid-60s and want to pass the ranch on to their children. One child has moved away and is living on the East Coast. Another has stayed on the ranch and worked it with the parents over the years. The children and the parents want the property to remain whole and a working ranch. They are concerned that the value of the ranch has appreciated significantly over time and they will not be able to keep the ranch because of a potentially large estate tax liability.
Let’s assume that the ranch has appreciated to a current fair market value of $8,000,000 as determined by appraisal. The owners donate a conservation easement to MLR which generally limits development of the property but enables the continuation of agriculture. A “qualified” appraiser determines the value of the conservation easement to be 40 percent of $8,000,000, or $3,200,000.
Each parent has an applicable exclusion amount of $2,000,000 for a total of $4,000,000. This allows the parents to pass on $4,000,000 of property to heirs through their estate free of tax.
Without a conservation easement in place, this would leave $4,000,000 ($8,000,000 minus $4,000,000) resulting in a $1,800,000 estate tax liability ($4,000,000 x 45%). With the conservation easement in place, the value of the ranch for estate tax purposes would be $4,800,000 ($8,000,000 minus the $3,200,000 value of the conservation easement). Utilizing Mr. and Mrs. Jones’ individual $2,000,000 estate tax exclusions, the estate taxable value of the ranch would be reduced to $800,000 ($4,800,000 minus $4,000,000) resulting in $360,000 in estate tax ($800,000 x 45%).
Additional Estate Tax Exclusion
The tax law also allows beneficiaries to exclude from the taxable estate up to 40 percent of the value of the land subject to qualifying conservation easements (this is in addition to the reduction in value as demonstrated in the example on the previous page). The exclusion is $500,000. This exclusion saves an additional $235,000 in estate taxes. Applying this provision to the Jones family example, the estate tax liability could be reduced to $135,000 ($800,000 - $500,000 = $300,000 x 45%).
Estate Tax Liability (2006)
$4,000,000 Value Of Property
Without Conservation Easement
Estate Tax Due $1,800,000
With Conservation Easement
Estate Tax Due $360,000
With Conservation Easement and
Additional Estate Tax Exclusion
Estate Tax Due $135,000
Post-mortem Election
The federal tax law allows estate beneficiaries and/or the executor to elect to place the land under conservation easement after death, but before filing an estate tax return.
Estate Planning
Conservation easements are only one component of several estate-planning options available to effectively pass on a ranch or farm, as well as other assets, to the next generation. Proper planning with a qualified estate planning team is essential.
The comments in this brochure reflect MLR’s understanding of federal tax law as of September 2006. The examples used in this brochure are for illustrative purposes only. MLR does not purport to give legal or tax advice about the consequences of a particular conservation easement. The tax implications of your conservation plan will depend upon the value of your gift, your finances and other factors particular to your situation. To fully understand how current law affects your conservation plan, you need to consult with your tax attorney, CPA and financial adviser.
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Montana Association of Realtors
Gallatin Association of Realtors
National Association of Realtors
Christie’s International Real Estate Network
SW Montana Farm and Ranch Brokers Association
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