YB Ranch, Inc. is part of a greater mission to protect great lands of the Rocky Mountain West by adding ecological and recreational value to large privately held properties. Yellowstone Bend was destined to become a  “checkerboard” of 100 acre ranchettes without a contiguous wildlife management or agricultural land use plan.  Often referred to as “conservation development”, our planning process for the ranch increases open space by localizing home sites to a designated area.  We’ve strategically placed home sites on comfortable 25± acre lots surrounding the original 1915 homestead. It is the intention of Yellowstone Bend Ranch to place 85% of the ranch under a permanent conservation easement that will likely be held by the Montana Land Reliance. This means fewer roads and less impact on wildlife corridors, which in turn means improved habitat and greater recreational opportunities.  We’ve already removed miles of barbed wire fencing and added game-friendly perimeter fencing on known game trails.  We’re partnering with a local rancher to raise natural beef using sustainable grazing practices on a portion of the preserved land.  We think we’ve found a balanced use of the land, accounting for the rich wildlife habitat, traditions of ranching and agriculture, sport and recreation, and low impact residences in this very special place.