The Indreland Ranch–LaValle Creek Conservation Easement now permanently protects 1,667 acres of working agricultural lands and high-quality wildlife habitat along the northern edge of the Missoula Valley. The property plays a critical role in regional wildlife connectivity, linking public lands in the North Hills and Evaro area with the Rattlesnake Wilderness and a broader network of conserved lands. It provides key winter range for elk, supports multiple Montana Species of Conservation Concern, and contains native plant communities of high conservation value. LaValle Creek, a perennial tributary to the Clark Fork River, borders the eastern edge of the property and supports a genetically pure population of westslope cutthroat trout. Conserving this landscape protects working lands, scenic open space visible throughout the Missoula Valley, and an important ecological corridor at the wildland-urban interface for future generations.

The property includes a diverse mix of grasslands, uplands, riparian areas and forested habitats that support a wide range of wildlife species. These include numerous Montana species of concern such as flammulated owl, evening grosbeak, black-backed woodpecker, Cassin’s finch, Clark’s nutcracker, varied thrush, pileated woodpecker, brown creeper, Pacific wren, long-legged myotis, veery, fisher, and wolverine, as well as federally listed threatened species including grizzly bear and Canada lynx. The property also supports native plant species of conservation concern, including limestone larkspur, cup clover, and Missoula phlox — a rare cushion plant endemic to the Missoula Valley.

Key project elements include:

• Biodiversity Support: Protection of habitats for numerous species of conservation concern, enhancing regional ecological networks.
• Sustainable Use: Continued mixed-use of forestry, agriculture and grazing lands with an emphasis on sustainable practices.
• LaValle Creek Conservation: Preservation of a critical waterway that supports a genetically pure population of cutthroat trout and other riparian life.
• Cultural and Scenic Value: Commitment to maintaining the land's natural beauty that contributes to the identity of the Missoula Valley.
• Elk Habitat: Provides year-round habitat and critical winter range for the North Hills Elk Herd.
• Landscape Connectivity: Enhances habitat connections between the Mission Mountains, the Rattlesnake Wilderness and across Highway 93 towards the Ninemile.

• Total Transaction Cost: $2,862,264
• Atira Conservation Support: $30,000