Who Owns the Most Land in Montana in 2023? Full List

Montana, the fourth largest state in the United States, is known for its stunning natural beauty and vast expanses of land. It is also home to a diverse array of landowners, ranging from individuals to corporations, and even the government. In this article, we will dive into the top landowners in Montana, and explore the various factors that have influenced land ownership in the state.

Top 10 Largest Landowners in Montana

Montana is known for its vast landscapes and natural beauty, and it’s no surprise that many wealthy individuals and organizations have invested in the state’s land. Here are the top 10 largest landowners in Montana:

1. Ted Turner

Media mogul and philanthropist Ted Turner owns an impressive 2 million acres of land in Montana. Turner is known for his conservation efforts, and has worked tirelessly to protect the natural beauty of the state. He has established several wildlife preserves on his land, including the Flying D Ranch and the Vermejo Park Ranch.

2. The Wilks Brothers

Brothers Farris and Dan Wilks made their fortune in the fracking industry, and have used their wealth to purchase over 1 million acres of land in Montana. They have also been actively involved in supporting conservative political causes. The Wilks Brothers have been criticized by some environmentalists for their support of oil and gas development on their land.

3. John Malone

As the largest private landowner in the US, John Malone owns over 875,000 acres of land in Montana. Malone is the chairman of Liberty Media, and has a net worth of over $10 billion. He has been involved in several conservation projects in Montana, including the protection of the Ruby River and the preservation of the historic Sun Ranch.

4. Stan Kroenke

Entrepreneur Stan Kroenke is a major shareholder in Walmart and the owner of numerous sports franchises, including the Los Angeles Rams. He has also acquired over 740,000 acres of land in Montana. Kroenke has been criticized by some Montanans for his involvement in the controversial bison hunt on his land.

5. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church, owns over 270,000 acres of land in Montana. This land is primarily used for cattle ranching and farming. The Church has been involved in several conservation projects in Montana, including the restoration of the Clark Fork River.

6. The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the natural world. They own over 265,000 acres of land in Montana, which they have worked to protect and conserve. The Nature Conservancy has been involved in several projects in Montana, including the restoration of the Prairie Pothole Region and the protection of the Yaak Valley.

7. The State of Montana

The state of Montana owns over 5.2 million acres of land, primarily for public use such as state forests, parks, and wildlife refuges. Montana’s public lands are a major source of revenue for the state, and are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for their recreational opportunities.

8. The U.S. Federal Government

The federal government owns over 29 million acres of land in Montana, with the largest percentage of it managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Montana’s federal lands are a major source of revenue for the state, and are used for a variety of purposes including logging, mining, and recreation.

9. The Blackfeet Nation

The Blackfeet Nation is a Native American tribe that owns over 1.5 million acres of land in Montana. The tribe has a deep connection to the land and has worked to protect it from outside interests. The Blackfeet Nation has been involved in several conservation projects in Montana, including the restoration of the Two Medicine River.

10. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are another Native American tribe that owns significant amounts of land in Montana. They currently own over 1.3 million acres, which they use for agriculture, forestry, and wildlife conservation. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have been involved in several conservation projects in Montana, including the restoration of the Flathead River.

Montana’s diverse group of landowners reflects the state’s unique mix of natural resources, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities. While there are differences in how these landowners manage their land, they all share a common goal of preserving Montana’s natural beauty for future generations.

Factors Influencing Land Ownership in Montana

Montana is known for its vast and stunning landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the rolling prairies of the eastern plains. The ownership of land in Montana is a complex issue that is influenced by a variety of factors. In this article, we will explore some of the key factors that have shaped land ownership in Montana.

Historical Land Acquisitions

The history of land ownership in Montana is rooted in a complex system of treaties and agreements between Native American tribes and the federal government. Many of the largest landowners in the state, such as the Blackfeet Nation and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, have owned their land for generations. These tribes have a deep connection to the land and have worked to preserve their culture and traditions through their ownership of it.

However, the history of land acquisition in Montana is not without controversy. The federal government forcibly removed many Native American tribes from their ancestral lands, often through violent means. This has led to a legacy of mistrust and tension between Native American communities and the federal government.

Conservation Efforts

The vast expanses of wilderness and scenic beauty in Montana have drawn conservation organizations like the Nature Conservancy to the state. These groups have invested in protecting and maintaining the ecosystem of the state, which has often led to the purchase of large tracts of land. These lands are often used for recreation, such as hiking and camping, and provide important habitat for wildlife.

Conservation efforts have also led to the creation of national parks, such as Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. These parks are owned and managed by the federal government and are held in trust for the American people. They provide important opportunities for outdoor recreation and are a source of pride for Montanans.

Economic Development and Agriculture

Much of the land in Montana is used for agricultural purposes, such as cattle grazing and farming. Montana is known for its high-quality beef and wheat, and agriculture is an important part of the state’s economy. Entrepreneurs like the Wilks Brothers have also seen the vast potential for oil and gas development in the state, leading them to purchase large amounts of land for exploration and extraction.

Economic development in Montana is often a source of tension between those who want to preserve the state’s natural beauty and those who see the potential for growth and prosperity. Balancing economic development with conservation efforts is an ongoing challenge for policymakers and citizens alike.

Native American Reservations

The history of Native American land ownership in Montana has led to the creation of numerous reservations throughout the state. These reservations, with their unique legal and cultural frameworks, provide a significant portion of the land owned by Native Americans in Montana. They are governed by tribal councils and are often the site of cultural events and celebrations.

However, reservations also face significant challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and a lack of access to basic services like healthcare and education. The federal government has a trust responsibility to provide for the welfare of Native American communities, but this obligation has often gone unfulfilled.

Invest in Farmland like the 1%

Get started investing in farmland like Bill Gates and BlackRock by trying our top-reviewed farmland investing platforms below: