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Southwest Montana Quick Facts

Montana Public Land Map

Southwest Montana, particularly around Gallatin, Park, and Madison counties, attracts residents for a multitude of reasons, especially those who love the outdoors and a slower pace of life.

Southwest Montana Public Land

The “green shaded” areas in the map above indicate public land. Montana has more land that is publicly owned than any other state in the lower 48. According to the Congressional Research Service, 62.5% of Montana’s land is publicly owned. Southwest Montana a high percentage of public land, and also borders Yellowstone National Park(2.3 million acres). Combine that with the adjacent public land in Wyoming and Idaho and this translates to vast opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.

Gallatin County:

  • Total Acres: 1,040,192
  • Public Land Acres: 690,000
  • Public Land Percentage: 66.33%

Park County:

  • Total Acres: 1,757,120
  • Public Land Acres: 1,250,000
  • Public Land Percentage: 71.14%

Maddison County:

  • Total Acres: 1,936,640
  • Public Land Acres: 920,000
  • Public Land Percentage: 47.50%

Southwest Montana Rivers

Southwest Montana is nationally recognized for its blue-ribbon trout streams known for their outstanding fly fishing opportunities.

  • Missouri River
  • Yellowstone River
  • Gallatin River
  • Madison River
  • Jefferson River
  • Ruby River
  • Bighole River
  • Beaverhead River
  • Bitterroot River
  • Blackfoot River
  • Clarkfork River

Southwest Montana Mountain Ranges

  • Gallatin Range(including the Hyalites)
  • Bridger Range
  • Spanish Peaks
  • Beartooth Mountains
  • Absaroka Range
  • Crazy Mountains
  • Gravelly Range
  • Tabacco Root Mountains
  • Highland Mountains
American Prairie Reserve

American Prairie Reserve

American Prairie Reserve
The American Prairie Reserve is a private, non-profit organization that is working to restore and protect the prairie ecosystem in north-central Montana. America’s Great Plains once possessed one of the grandest wildlife spectacles of the world, equaled only by such places as Africa’s Serengeti. The Great Plains of Montana are often referred to as the “American Serengeti”.

Large, intact prairie grasslands throughout the world have dramatically declined. There are only 4 places left on earth to do something of the scale of the American Prairie Reserve: The Patagonian Steppe, Kazakh Steppe, Mongolian Steppe, and The Northern Great Plains. A steppe is a vast, treeless grassland biome characterized by a semi-arid climate and high carrying capacity for wildlife. The Northern Great Plains of Montana represented the “best” opportunity in the world for creating a prairie grassland reserve.

4 Prairie Grass Lands Left In The World

The American Prairie Reserve is currently 3.2 million acres in size. That is comparable to the size of Yellowstone National Park(2.2 million acres) and Glacier National Park(1.2 million acres) combined. For perspective, that is roughly the size of the state of Connecticut. It is the largest wildlife reserve in the lower 48 states. It is aiming to reach 10 million acres.

American Prairie’s mission:

  • Conserve the temperate grassland ecosystem: They aim to restore and connect enough land to allow natural ecological processes to thrive.
  • Create the largest nature reserve in the continental United States: This reserve would encompass millions of acres and serve as a refuge for wildlife and people.
  • Restore biodiversity: Their goal is to bring back a full range of native species that once thrived in the region.
  • Collaboration: They work with public and private landowners, as well as indigenous communities, to achieve their goals.
  • Public access: They believe people should have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the restored prairie.

American Prairie Reserve Map

The reserve was founded in 2004 by The Nature Conservancy and the American Prairie Foundation. The reserve is located in the Judith Basin, which is a region of rolling hills and grasslands that was once home to millions of bison. The reserve is working to restore the prairie ecosystem by removing invasive species, restoring native grasses, and reintroducing bison and other native wildlife.

The Nature Conservancy determined in 1999 that the northern Great Plains were the most viable for restoring the region’s habitats and conserving the existing diversity of plants and animals. The upper Missouri River and its banks within the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge (915,814 acres) had been designated a National Wild and Scenic River.

The relatively pristine condition of the land and the diversity of wildlife species north of Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge was identified as a top priority for grassland conservation. The adjacent 377,000 acre Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument was created in 2001 with public lands that were mostly already managed by the federal government. The combination of existing public land combined with private philanthropy was used to create the American Prairie Reserve.

One of the primary goals of the American Prairie Reserve is to restore the biodiversity that once defined the Montana plains. The reserve’s management employs a multi-faceted approach that includes habitat restoration, reintroduction of native species, and the establishment of conservation partnerships with neighboring communities. Efforts are underway to bring back iconic species such as bison, pronghorn, elk, and even black-footed ferrets, all of which play vital roles in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

The bison that once roamed freely here were largely wiped out over a century ago. To reintroduce bison with the most relevant genetics, the American Prairie Reserve partners with Elk Island National Park in Canada. Elk Island National Park protects descendants of the Pablo herd, one of the largest groups of bison that survived the near-extinction event. By carefully selecting and relocating bison calves from Elk Island, the American Prairie Reserve is ensuring their reintroduced herd carries the genetic legacy of the Great Plains bison. This “bison across borders” initiative is a crucial step in restoring the ecological balance of the American prairie.

As of October 2023, there are over 1,000 bison on the American Prairie Reserve. The reserve’s bison herd is the largest free-roaming herd of bison in the United States outside of Yellowstone National Park. The American Prairie Reserve’s goal is to establish a heard of 5,000 bison.

American Prairie Reserve Bison

The Bison Range, formerly known as the National Bison Range, serves as another protected habitat in western Montana for American bison and other wildlife species. It was established in 1908 by the U.S. Federal Government. It covers an area of approximately 18,800 acres and has approximately 350 to 500 bison.

As a comparison, the population of bison in Yellowstone National Park varies between 3,000 to 6,000 and there are estimated to be around 2.2 million head of cattle in Montana.

The American Prairie Reserve is a working landscape, and the bison herd is managed for both conservation and economic purposes. The bison provide a source of income for the reserve through hunting and bison products. The reserve also offers educational programs and opportunities for visitors to experience the prairie ecosystem.

The reserve is improving public access and enjoyment of this unique natural habitat. Recreation opportunities including fishing, birding, hiking, paddling, and cycling. Various camping options are available on the reserve. The reserve has established huts and campgrounds including some less remote for RV access. The reserve offers access points to state and federal public lands through its deeded lands, some of which were previously landlocked and unavailable. These public lands were previously surrounded by private land so although technically owned by the public, they were unavailable for public use until the adjacent ranches were acquired for the reserve. The public lands are subject to state and federal hunting and camping regulations for the respective governing agencies.

The American Prairie Reserve is a unique and important project that is helping to restore the prairie ecosystem and conserve bison. The reserve serves as a model for other conservation projects around the world and is yet another example of why Montana is such a special place.

To learn more, visit: https://americanprairie.org/

American Prairie Reserve Sharp Tailed Grouse

American Prairie Reserve Antelope

American Prairie Reserve Black-Footed Ferret

American Prairie Reserve Elk

Montana Quick Facts

Here are some quick facts about Montana you may find interesting.

  • Nickname: The Treasure State
  • Statehood: 1889; 41st state
  • Population (2020): 1,079,619
  • Land area: 147,046 square miles
  • Highest point: Granite Peak, 12,799 feet (3,899 m)
  • Lowest point: Kootenai River, 1,807 feet (551 m)
  • Major rivers: Missouri River, Yellowstone River, Milk River
  • Major lakes: Flathead Lake, Yellowstone Lake, Fort Peck Lake

Montana is the number one state in the following categories:

Percentage Of Land In Public Ownership

Montana has more land that is publicly owned than any other state in the lower 48. According to the Congressional Research Service, 62.5% of Montana’s land is publicly owned. This translates to vast opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.

Percentage Of Land That Is Designated As Wilderness

Montana has more wilderness areas than any other state in the lower 48. There are over 17 million acres of wilderness in Montana. Approximately 13.4% of Montana’s land is designated as wilderness. This includes 24 designated wilderness areas covering 3.4 million acres, as well as 12 million acres of roadless areas that are managed under wilderness guidelines.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the National Wilderness Preservation System to protect areas of land that are “untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” Wilderness areas are managed to preserve their natural conditions and to provide opportunities for solitude and recreation.

Percentage Of Land That Is Forested

Montana has more land that is forested than any other state in the lower 48. Approximately 22.5 million acres, or 15.8% of Montana’s land area, is forested. Of this, 85% is federally owned. Montana’s forests are home to a wide variety of tree species, including ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, spruce, and fir.

National Parks

Montana has four national parks: Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

National Forests

Montana has 17 national forests, which cover over 20 million acres.

Rivers and Streams

Montana is crisscrossed by an impressive network of over 1,700 rivers and streams. These waterways provide vital habitat for fish and other aquatic species, and offer stunning scenery for paddling and fishing adventures. The Missouri, the Yellowstone, and the Clark Fork are just a few of Montana’s major rivers.

Largest Freshwater Lake in the West

Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana reigns supreme as the biggest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. Boasting over 200 square miles of surface area and 185 miles of shoreline

Number of Elk

Montana has the largest elk population in the lower 48 states, with an estimated 120,000-150,000 elk. The next highest elk populations are in Wyoming (70,000-90,000 elk) and Colorado (60,000-80,000 elk).

Number of Mule Deer

According to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), there are an estimated 250,000 – 335,000 mule deer in Montana. This is the largest population of mule deer in the lower 48 states.

Number of Bighorn Sheep

There are approximately 6,000 bighorn sheep in Montana. This number has been increasing in recent years due to conservation efforts. Montana has the largest bighorn sheep population in the lower 48 states. The next highest populations are in Wyoming (2,000-3,000 sheep) and Idaho (1,000-2,000 sheep).

Number of grizzly bears

Montana has the largest grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states, with an estimated 1,500 bears. The other states with grizzly bear populations are Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington. Wyoming has an estimated 700 bears, Idaho has an estimated 1,000 bears, and Washington has an estimated 200 bears.

Number of Wolves

According to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), there are an estimated 1,144 wolves in Montana as of January 2023. This is the highest number of wolves in the state since the 1990s.

The wolf population in Montana is much higher than the wolf populations in other states. Wyoming has an estimated 118 wolves, Idaho has an estimated 1,050 wolves, and Washington has an estimated 162 wolves.

Number of Antelope

According to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), there are an estimated 155,000 antelope in Montana as of January 2023. This is the highest number of antelope in the state since the 1970s.

Montana has the largest antelope population in the United States. Wyoming has an estimated 120,000 antelope, and South Dakota has an estimated 60,000 antelope.

Number of Bison

Montana has the largest protected herd of wild bison in the United States. There are over 1,000 bison on the American Prairie Reserve. The American Prairie Reserve is a 3.2-million-acre prairie reserve(aiming to reach 10 million acres) located in north-central Montana. The reserve is dedicated to restoring and protecting the prairie ecosystem, and bison are a keystone species in the prairie ecosystem. The reserve’s bison herd is the largest free-roaming herd of bison in the United States outside of Yellowstone National Park which has between 3,000 to 5,000 bison. The American Prairie Reserve’s goal is to establish a herd of 5,000 bison. The National Bison Range is located in the Flathead Valley in northwestern Montana and is home to over 400 bison.

The Real Estate Cycle

The real estate industry is known for being cyclical, with periods of boom and bust that can have a profound impact on the economy. One such cycle that has been observed and studied extensively is the 18.6-year Real Estate Cycle, also known as the Land Cycle or Property Cycel. This cycle is based on the observation that major peaks and troughs in the real estate market tend to occur roughly every 18 to 19 years. Understanding this cycle is crucial for investors, developers, and policymakers alike, as it can provide valuable insights into the direction of the market and help inform investment decisions.

Why is there a real estate cycle, and why does it repeat?

There are several factors that contribute to the real estate cycle, including economic, demographic, and policy-related factors. Economic factors, such as interest rates, inflation, and employment levels, can have a significant impact on the demand for housing and the overall health of the real estate market. Demographic factors, such as population growth, migration patterns, and changes in household composition, can also influence the demand for housing and the types of properties that are in demand. Finally, policy-related factors, such as zoning regulations, tax policies, and government incentives, can affect the supply and demand of housing and the overall health of the real estate market.

The real estate cycle is thought to repeat because of the interplay between supply and demand. During periods of economic growth and demographic expansion, demand for housing tends to increase, leading to a rise in prices and an increase in construction activity. However, as supply catches up to demand, prices begin to level off, and construction activity slows down. This eventually leads to an oversupply of housing, which, in turn, leads to a decline in prices and a decrease in construction activity. As prices bottom out and the oversupply is absorbed, the cycle starts anew with a period of economic growth and demographic expansion.

Stages of the Real Estate Cycle

Real Estate Cycle
The real estate cycle is typically divided into stages or phases: recovery, expansion, hyper-supply, and recession. Understanding these stages is crucial for investors and developers, as it can help inform investment decisions and risk management strategies.

1. Recovery Phase: This stage occurs immediately after a market downturn and is characterized by low prices and low levels of construction activity. Property prices have fallen enough to tempt investors to begin buying again, attracted by the high yields that are available from low home prices while rents remains healthy(rents remain strong because people always need a place to live). During this stage, investors and developers may begin to see opportunities to acquire properties at discounted prices, with the expectation of future price appreciation.

2. Expansion Phase: As the market recovers, demand for housing begins to increase, leading to rising prices and an increase in construction activity. During this stage, developers may begin to invest in new construction projects, with the expectation of future profits. Large companies and pension funds start buying up distressed portfolios. The prime assets will always be the most attractive, so this early growth tends to begin in the most popular real estate markets and expand from there.

3. Hyper-supply Phase: At some point, the increase in construction activity leads to an oversupply of housing, which can cause prices to level off or decline. During this stage, developers may face increased competition and a decrease in profitability, while investors may begin to look for opportunities to exit their positions. As the early movers take their profits there may be a slight mid-cycle dip.

4. Recession Phase: Eventually, the oversupply is absorbed, and the market begins to stabilize. However, if economic conditions deteriorate, it can lead to a recession, which can cause prices to decline sharply and lead to a decrease in construction activity. During this stage, investors and developers may face significant losses, and those who are over-leveraged may be forced to sell at a loss. Economist and author Fred Harrison used the term “winner’s curse” in his book “Boom Bust” to describe buyers that “won” by placing the highest bid for a property with multiple offers during this phase because the next recession isn’t far away, and it won’t be long before the asset they just purchased will be worth markedly less.

Previous real estate cycles in the United States

The United States has experienced several real estate cycles throughout its history, with some of the most notable cycles occurring in the 1920s, 1970s, and 2000s.

1. The 1920s: The 1920s saw a period of economic growth and demographic expansion, with the rise of the automobile and the growth of the middle class leading to an increase in demand for housing. This led to a period of expansion in the real estate market, with construction activity increasing and prices rising. However, this period of growth was not sustainable, and the market eventually experienced a major downturn in the late 1920s, which was exacerbated by the stock market crash of 1929. This led to a period of hyper-supply, with an oversupply of housing and a decrease in construction activity. The real estate market did not fully recover until after World War II.

2. The 1970s: The 1970s were marked by significant economic and demographic changes, including the oil crisis, inflation, and the rise of the baby boomer generation. These factors had a major impact on the real estate market, leading to a period of expansion in the early 1970s, followed by a period of hyper-supply in the mid to late 1970s. During this period, interest rates rose sharply, which led to a decline in demand for housing and a decrease in construction activity. The market did not fully recover until the early 1980s.

3. The 2000s: The 2000s saw a period of economic growth and demographic expansion, with the rise of the internet and the growth of the service sector leading to an increase in demand for housing. This led to a period of expansion in the early to mid-2000s, with construction activity increasing and prices rising rapidly. However, this period of growth was not sustainable, and the market eventually experienced a major downturn in the late 2000s, which was triggered by the subprime mortgage crisis. This led to a period of hyper-supply, with an oversupply of housing and a decrease in construction activity. The real estate market did not fully recover until several years later.

4. The real estate crash that occurred from 2006 to 2012, commonly referred to as the Great Recession, was one of the most significant downturns in the history of the U.S. real estate market. The crisis was triggered by a combination of factors, including loose lending standards, a housing bubble, and the proliferation of complex financial instruments that were poorly understood by investors and regulators alike.

Leading up to the crisis, housing prices had risen rapidly throughout the early 2000s, fueled by low interest rates, lax lending standards, and a speculative frenzy among investors. Many homeowners took on mortgages they could not afford, relying on the assumption that housing prices would continue to rise indefinitely. However, in 2006, the housing market began to cool off, and prices began to decline. This led to a wave of defaults and foreclosures, as homeowners found themselves unable to keep up with their mortgage payments.

At the same time, a variety of complex financial instruments had emerged that were tied to the value of housing, including mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations. These instruments were sold to investors around the world, who assumed that the underlying mortgages were sound and that the value of the securities would continue to rise. However, as the housing market began to collapse, the value of these securities plummeted, causing widespread losses and a crisis of confidence in the financial system.

The fallout from the Great Recession was severe, with millions of Americans losing their homes, and the U.S. economy entering a deep recession that lasted for several years. The crisis also had a significant impact on the real estate market, with housing prices falling by as much as 30% or more in some areas, and construction activity grinding to a halt. It took several years for the market to recover, with the government implementing a variety of policies and stimulus measures to help stabilize the economy and support the housing market.

The Great Recession serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of speculative bubbles and the importance of responsible lending practices. While the real estate market has since recovered, the scars of the crisis continue to be felt by many Americans, and the lessons learned from the experience will undoubtedly shape the way we think about real estate investing and financial regulation for many years to come.

In each of these cycles, home prices experienced significant changes. For example, during the 1920s cycle, home prices increased by roughly 60% between 1920 and 1929, before declining by roughly 30% between 1929 and 1933. Similarly, during the 2000s cycle, home prices increased by roughly 90% between 2000 and 2006, before declining by roughly 30% between 2006 and 2012.

Bozeman Real Estate Cycle

Bozeman, Montana, like many other regions, experiences a real estate cycle characterized by periods of growth and decline. Bozeman has experienced steady population growth in recent years, leading to increased demand for housing and a rise in real estate prices. The Bozeman area is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a vibrant economy anchored by Montana State University.

The most recent Bozeman Real Estate Cycle began around 2010, following the Great Recession, with prices gradually recovering and then surging in the mid-2010s. By 2018, the market had become extremely competitive, with many buyers struggling to find affordable housing. However, by 2020, the market had begun to cool off, with prices stabilizing and demand decreasing somewhat.

Conclusion

The 18.6-year Real Estate Cycle, also known as the Land Cycle or Property Cycle, is a well-documented phenomenon that has been observed throughout history. While the causes of the cycle are complex and multifaceted, the interplay between supply and demand is a key driver. By understanding the stages of the cycle and the factors that contribute to it, investors, developers, and policymakers can make informed decisions and better manage risk. While past performance is not indicative of future results, studying the previous cycles can provide valuable insights into the direction of the real estate market and help inform investment decisions.

Real Estate Impact Management

Real Estate Impact ManagementBuildings are responsible for more than 40% of global energy used, and as much as one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions per the International Standard Organization. For both real estate investors and individual home owners Real Estate Impact Management and “Smart Home Management” can mean substantial cost savings and reduce the impact your property has on the environment.

Reducing Water Usage

Real Estate Impact Management and Smart Home Management for reducing water usage can be as simple as ensuring that sinks and toilets are not leaking. The average North American household wastes about 10,000 gallons of water from household leaks every year. About one in ten homes have severe leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Approximately 27% of a typical home’s water usage comes from toilet flushing. A leaky toilet can have a major impact on water bills. A leaking toilet can lead to thousands of gallons of water used every month. A constantly running toilet may waste about eight gallons per hour, or 200 gallons per day. Left unnoticed, a running toilet could waste over 6,000 gallons per month. The toilet is one of the most common water wasters but its leaks tend to be less noticeable than faucet leaks. We can help you identify if toilets and sinks are leaking.

Frequent Causes of High Water Usage

Leaks and drips aren’t the only contributing factors to high water bills. Other wasteful practices that drive up costs include:

  • Running the dishwasher partly full (wastes 320 gallons per year)
  • Leaving the tap open when you brush your teeth (wastes 8 gallons per day)
  • Letting the water run for five minutes while washing dishes by hand (wastes 10 gallons every time)
  • Failing to fix a broken sprinkler head (wastes 2,400 gallons per month)

Frequent Causes of Damage From Water Leaks

Relatively innocent leaks drip water from the source into the drain or sewer line. This wastes water and costs you money, but it doesn’t cause any damage. However, leaks from pipes, fittings, and hoses can damage your home and lead to high repair costs. Besides your sinks and toilets, here are the other places to watch out for leaks:

  • Washing machine hoses
  • Refrigerator
  • Dishwasher
  • Plumbing under kitchen and bathroom sinks
  • Pipes
  • Roof
  • Windows and doors

Whether you’re worried about high bills or water damage, it’s worthwhile to find and stop leaks quickly. We can help you identify and fix water leaks.

Reducing Electricity Usage

Real Estate Impact Management and Smart Home Management for reducing electricity usage can be as simple as replacing old incandescent light bulbs with modern LED lighting. LED lighting has lower energy usage which reduces electricity costs. LED lighting lasts longer which reduces maintenance costs. LED lighting generates less heat, which reduces costs associated with cooling homes on warm summer days. We encourage our clients to turn off power sources when they aren’t being used in order to cut back on costs and save energy.

Reducing Heating and Cooling Costs

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 49% of a home’s energy bill is spent on heating and cooling. One of the main reasons your energy bills might spike during the winter months is because your home isn’t properly insulated. According to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), 90% of single-family homes in the U.S. are under-insulated, so chances are high that your house could use some work. Homes built prior to 1960 are particularly vulnerable.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is the use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space. The goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. Real Estate Impact Management and Smart Home Management for reducing HVAC costs starts with proper HVAC maintenance. Good HVAC maintenance results in less energy consumed and increases the useful life of the equipment. We suggest that filters and systems be checked at regular maintenance intervals. A well-maintained system will cost home owners less over time and lower energy costs.

Your heating and cooling systems might be operating at peak efficiency, but if your home is not adequately insulated, you may be wasting money on your monthly electricity bill and gas bills. A home’s insulation helps with heating and cooling all year round. If your insulation is lacking, your heating and cooling equipment have to operate longer to achieve your desired indoor temperature, which means added utility costs, shortened equipment life, and higher impact on the environment. The EPA estimates that the average homeowner can save 15% on heating and cooling costs (11% of total energy costs) by adding insulation in attics, crawl spaces, and basement rim joists.

Conducting an energy audit of your home will give you the best idea of where to focus your insulation upgrades. Though for most homes—again, especially those built before 1960—it’s safe to say that the attic is the place to start.

Reducing Air Leaks

Real Estate Impact Management and Smart Home Management for reducing air leaks begins by making a list of obvious air leaks (drafts). The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 10% to 20% per year, and the home is generally much more comfortable afterward.

Check for indoor air leaks, such as gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring and at junctures of the walls and ceiling. Also check for leaks on the outside of your home, especially in areas where two different building materials meet. Other places to check for leaks include windows, doors, lighting and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets. Also check for open fireplace dampers. See detecting air leaks for detailed instructions on finding air leaks yourself.

Please Contact Delger Real Estate if you would like to learn more about Real Estate Impact Management for your property.