Our History

With a history dedicated to environmental conservation, today the Trust has found a new purpose: improving and safeguarding the lives of U.S. military Veterans, their families, and the citizens of our Nation.

The Tenderfoot Trust is a non-profit organization originally dedicated to environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and outdoor education. In Montana, the trust focused on activities such as land conservation, wildlife habitat restoration, facilitating outdoor education programs for youth, and promoting sustainable land use practices.

One of the key activities of the trust has been land conservation. This included working to protect and conserve large areas of natural landscapes, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands, in order to preserve biodiversity and ecological balance. The trust acquired land and conservation easements to prevent development and ensure the long-term protection of important natural areas.

Wildlife habitat restoration was also a priority for the Tenderfoot Trust. The organization worked to restore and improve habitat for native wildlife species, including game animals, birds, and other wildlife. This involved projects such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and habitat enhancement to promote healthy ecosystems and support diverse wildlife populations.

Promoting sustainable land use practices was another important aspect of the trust's activities. This involved working with landowners, local communities, and government agencies to encourage practices that supported conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. The trust provided guidance on practices such as responsible land development, sustainable forestry, and wildlife-friendly ranching to help maintain healthy landscapes and wildlife habitats.

The two main projects of the Tenderfoot Trust that spanned over 17 years was the restoration of the Crow Creek falls mining claim located in the Elkhorn mountains of Montana and the procurement of the 8,220 acre Bair Ranch located in the Tenderfoot River drainage that flows into the iconic Smith River.

Overall, past activities of the Tenderfoot Trust in Montana revolved around the protection of natural landscapes, the restoration of wildlife habitats, the education of young people about the environment, and the promotion of sustainable land use practices. Through these efforts, the trust worked to conserve Montana's natural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations.