Still, the decision to accept these restrictions was not difficult, says Page. The two are very compatible. But most of the ranchers we work with are concerned about saving the values that are there. And in most cases, he says, that is consistent with managing for preserving the conservation values. Actually, a conservation easement is an exercise in private property rights, says Jim Knight of the Montana State University Extension Service.
Landowners retaining an easement can retain the right to restrict public access to their land.
But in the case of the Page-Whitman Ranch, the agreement guaranteed hunter and public access. Though Page was initially concerned about this aspect of the agreement, he says it has not been a problem. Since the agreement, the ranch's relationship with hunters has actually improved, he says. Hunting on the ranch is now managed as part of the FWP's block management program, which provides signage and rules that hunters must follow. Hunters must check in at ranch headquarters, where they receive maps and information about restricted areas.