Realizing the Dream of Bear Creek Land and Cattle

In the heart of Montana, Robert and Dede Griffin are transforming their dream ranch just outside of Roy into a haven for both wildlife and community.

The central Montana prairie is home to various animals like antelope, deer, coyotes, and many birds. These birds include sharp-tail grouse, sage grouse, partridges, pheasants, sparrows, and larks.

Thanks to water system improvements and regenerative conservation practices supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other agencies, waterfowl and shoreline birds have also become more common on their property.

“It’s a lot of work,” says Robert, explaining that between he and Dede, there’s always something needing their attention. But he’s quick to add that for them, “It’s a labor of love.”

Partnership, Dedication, and the Promise of a Thriving Landscape

In the 1980s, Robert started going bird hunting with a friend in Fergus County. He fell in love with the area, and over the years, came to know it well. When the chance to buy land came up, he and Dede naturally considered this place.

In 2010, the Griffins fulfilled a 30-year dream of owning a piece of Montana's beauty in an area known for its agriculture and recreation.

Now that they’re so-called “retired,” the couple has found the perfect canvas for a truly western experience at their ranch, Bear Creek Land and Cattle.

“It’s all stuff that we love doing,” says Robert who refers to the undertaking as “a lifestyle.”

In 2022, the Griffins expanded their dream by acquiring their neighbor's land, doubling their ranch's size. For Robert, who had always wanted to run a ranch, it's a cherished luxury.

"Dede and I work together on this ranch. Anything I’m doing, she’s right there with me all the time," says Robert.

Their core vision centers on habitat improvement, driven by a mission to enrich the environment. They reside in a carefully crafted cabin that reflects their love for their home.

Improving Rangeland Health through Strategic Innovation

Nearly a decade ago, the Griffins partnered with NRCS through programs like the Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI) and Grassland Reserve Program (GRP). They've restored native sage, promoted healthy grasslands, and planted over 30,000 trees.  

“This coming year we’re gonna put another 10,000 in,” says Robert, adding, “We’ve learned the non-natives are non-natives for a reason.”  

Before buying the land, it was used for grazing, and they didn't expect to graze cattle there. However, they eventually realized the benefits of grazing for the land and allowed their neighbors to graze their livestock on various areas of their property, ensuring paddocks had time to refresh in between.

"It’s been really good for the soil and the other plant life there," says Dede.

They've also reintroduced crop fields and leased rotational crops with a neighbor, providing both food for wildlife and additional income.

The Griffins’ conservation efforts extend beyond their property, positively impacting neighbors' lands, and creating a network of improved habitats. The SGI has brought transformative changes through wildlife-friendly fencing and preserving the ecosystem's natural balance.

Robert frequently references an NRCS soil survey book when choosing the right plants or crops for specific areas when implementing projects.

As part of the SGI, they added reflective markers to livestock fencing to help sage grouse see fencing better.

“Sage grouse are especially at risk of hitting fences close to established leks,” says Mike Lucas, NRCS District Conservationist, who explains the birds fly in and out of their leks early in the morning in low light situations, flying low to the ground. “These fence markers are basically a visual aid.”  

They also replaced mesh fencing with wildlife-friendly fencing that lets big game like antelope pass through safely. Every sixth section has been modified with specialized clips, allowing animals to migrate between seasons.

This work was done with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after a grazing and fence modification project along 6 miles of a 14-mile fence last June.

Enhancing an Arid Rangeland with a BDA

A significant recent addition to their conservation efforts is the Beaver Dam Analogue (BDA) project, which mimics natural beaver dams to enrich streambeds and floodplains. Robert attended a workshop in 2019, leading to on-property BDA installations hosted by the Griffins. They expanded the project with NRCS via EQIP, aligning with NRCS's conservation principles. The result: stabilized banks, longer green periods, increased waterfowl and shorebirds, and beaver colonization.

According to Robert, there are two kinds of beavers, those who build woody lodges often seen on television, and then the kind that burrows into the bank.

“That’s what we have here. It’s called a bank beaver. They burrow into the side of the creek,” Robert adds, “Not to say a bank beaver wouldn’t prefer to have a woody lodge, but it adapts to its location. And in this case, trees are sparse.”

“They’re like the settlers who built the soddies,” Lucas jokes, describing how the beavers who found their way to the BDAs went on to fortify them further. They even began building their own dams further up the stream.

Though the 2021-2022 drought disrupted BDA efforts, displacing beavers, the Griffins remain hopeful, sharing that much of the current stream water is thanks to the 2019 installation.

The groundwork for beaver return is laid with existing structures and abundant snowberries. Beavers settled in the area in 2019, thriving on these snowberries. The hope is for more plant and tree growth over time, creating a green zone. This benefits landowners by preventing erosion, purifying water, and reducing flood risks, ensuring a positive outcome for all.

The stage is set for the return of beavers to the area. Robert explains new beavers will find things easier because the needed structures are already in place.

“They’re amazing creatures,” says Dede. “Busy as a beaver is the term. And what they’ve done for the water out there on the creek; developing the creek and making water pools. We’ve had fish, we’ve had birds that have benefited from the extra water.”

Cultivating a Legacy

Bear Creek Land and Cattle stands as a testament to dreams, dedication, and teamwork. Robert credits the range managers he's worked with for helping them realize their shared vision.

“They’ve taught me a lot about grasses and utilizing them.”

Dede shares, “Hopefully this will be a place that will be appreciated as the years go by and even after we’re long gone, it’ll still be here.

Their conservation-minded approach has not only improved their land but also fostered community bonds.

As Dede puts it, they can't save the world, but they can preserve their special piece of it “and try and keep it wild.” Their partnership with NRCS sets an example for responsible land management, ensuring a lasting legacy for generations. In Dede's words, "Hopefully, this place will be cherished for years to come, even after we're gone."

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