Governor Steve Bullock, Along With A Group Of Montana-Based Organizations, Is Seeking Nominations For The "Montana Neighbor Awards"

The awards give recognition to landowners who work collaboratively with their neighbors to enhance Montana’s sense of community.

The group is seeking nominations of landowners from across Montana. Winners will receive specially printed and framed Montana Neighbor Award certificates signed by Gov. Bullock and awards committee members.

The Montana Neighbor group includes Artemis Common Ground, The Nature Conservancy of Montana, Montana Council of Trout Unlimited, Montana Association of Land Trusts, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and the Office of the Governor.

“It’s no secret that land ownership in Montana has been in transition,” said Chris King, Winnett rancher and member of the Montana Neighbor Awards Committee. “There is tension out there between landowners, public resource agencies, and sportsmen. Those situations get press. But the fact is there are many new and long-time landowners who are great neighbors in the Montana tradition. We want to give them recognition.”

Award criteria include cooperation, neighborly land access, land stewardship and conservation ethic, and community leadership.

Nomination forms can be obtained from any office of the participating organizations and from FWP regional offices. Send nominations to: Montana Neighbor Awards, C/O Jennifer Bond; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701; or email to: [email protected], or to [email protected].