CONSERVATION WITH MONTANA GRIT
Where Nature’s Splendor Never Fades
In northwest Montana, Kaniksu Land Trust works hand-in-hand with landowners, local partners, and community leaders to protect the open spaces that define this place we all love. From family ranches and working forests to wetlands and river corridors, our projects honor the deep connection between people and the land. By conserving private lands, improving public access, and fostering nature education, we’re helping Montana communities stay resilient, rooted, and wild—ensuring that the “Land of Shining Mountains” remains a landscape of beauty, productivity, and belonging for generations to come.
PROJECTS
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Eastward Extension Trail
This is an exciting project focused on creating a walking path between the east and west sections of Thompson Falls. More information will be added shortly.
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Online Interactive Map
Are you interested in finding recreation areas in Sanders County? Use this tool to locate your next camping or hiking spot.
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Thompson Falls Wayfinding Sign Plan
An ongoing project with the City of Thompson Falls, Thompson Falls Main Street, Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce, and Water & Environmental Technologies
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Thompson Falls Recreation Economy Infrastructure Plan
We teamed up with Sanders County and Heart of the Rockies Initiative and were selected to receive a USDA Rural Business Development Grant. We tackled multiple projects to benefit our community.
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The Orchard
This 150-acre parcel, located adjacent to the Mule Pasture recreation site, is public land owned by the US Forest Service. Formerly managed as a plantation, USFS is turning to the community to identify how locals and visitors can care for and benefit from this land. USFS is partnering with KLT, Sanders County Community Development, and Heart of the Rockies Initiative to work with the community to create a vision for this landscape into the future.
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Recreation Economies for Rural Communities
The RERC workshop was a team effort with the EPA, USDA, USFS, and the Northern Border Regional Commission, all working together with the Sanders County greater community to create a Community Action Plan.
