Mission and Core Values
Lands within Montana's Lewis and Clark, Jefferson and Broadwater counties have undergone significant change during the past ten years. Much of the predominantly rural land immediately surrounding the city of Helena has been developed into suburban housing tracts. As the population has increased, recreational opportunities, uninterrupted views and open space have diminished and access to open lands, both public and private, has been closed off.
The Prickly Pear Land Trust is committed to the belief that open space is essential to the well-being of all communities. Open views of land and habitat are emotionally uplifting; they renew and revitalize the human spirit. Open space has been proven to increase property values, reduce erosion, and protect air and water quality. A multitude of recreational opportunities abound in open spaces and agricultural lands preserve a cultural heritage as well as feed the citizens of our world. The Prickly Pear Land Trust is committed to preserving, protecting and promoting open space throughout the Prickly Pear Valley and adjoining lands.
Our Mission
"Protect the natural diversity and rural character of the Prickly Pear Valley and adjoining lands through voluntary and cooperative means. The Land Trust is dedicated to perpetuating the recreational, wildlife, scenic, agricultural and historic values of the land."
Our Core Values
In support of our mission, the core values of Prickly Pear Land Trust define our organizational culture:
- Support the enhancement and restoration of conservation values of strategically identified lands.
- Protect and steward strategically identified open spaces in perpetuity.
- Provide easy trail access and open spaces that interconnect our community for all to enjoy.
- Provide information to the community on resource conservation and open space issues.
- Conduct and communicate our business with openness and integrity.
- Be responsive to, representative of and in service to our community, or, serve those in our community who have interests open space and conservation.
- Instill a connection with the land that fosters its permanent protection.
Why Now?
The Helena area has grown at rates exceeding the national average. Between 1990 and 2000 Lewis and Clark County experienced a 17.3% population growth rate. Jefferson County's population grew more than 26% during the same period. The Prickly Pear Land Trust's mission to conserve open space in our communities has never been more vital.
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