The Bitter Root Land Trust (BRLT), a nonprofit conservation organization that partners with private landowners to conserve Bitterroot open lands, is working with the Groff family in Victor to carry out their vision of creating a new 21-acre nature park on a portion of their family ranch in Victor.
A sixth-generation ranching family whose tie to the land dates to 1886, the Groffs proposed the concept of a park that will sit directly south of the Victor Cemetery with its eastern boundary on Chief Victor Camp Road. The landscape provides exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation close to downtown Victor.
“My family has been a part of the Bitterroot Valley since the 1860s and we’ve had the privilege of owning this property for over 100 years,” says Ryan Clevidence, current landowner of the future park. “For generations we have cherished this land and my family felt there was no better way to honor their legacy than by sharing this special place with the community.”
When finished, Groff Family Park will become a natural place for the entire Bitterroot Valley to enjoy, complete with plans for an all-abilities accessible 0.7-mile nature loop trail, opportunities to view wildlife in the surrounding conserved agricultural lands, and a sled hill in the winter months. 360-degree views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains can be seen from the top of the hill, providing a bird’s eye view of one of the only panoramic views of the valley available from a public park.
“A new park will increase public access to front-country, easily reached open land for the community of Victor and Bitterroot residents to recreate on,” says Melissa Odell, BRLT Lands Director. “We are honored to help carry out the Groff family’s generous vision of opening this property to our entire community to enjoy.”
BRLT has already secured over $750,000 in support for the new park, including grant funding, donated land value, and Ravalli County Open Lands Bond Program funding. Now, BRLT is asking the community for support to raise the remaining $94,000 needed to complete the park purchase and long-term care.
Lauren Rennaker, BRLT Executive Director, says, “The Groff family’s vision will provide community members of all ages with a connection to the outdoors, wildlife, and agriculture for years to come. We are incredibly proud to partner with the Groff family to help create this once in a lifetime opportunity for recreation in Victor.”
Since its inception in 1997, the Bitter Root Land Trust has partnered with nearly 70 local families to conserve over 14,100 acres of family farms and ranches, Bitterroot River frontage, wildlife habitat, open space, and public access to recreational lands. BRLT’s past recreation projects include trails and river access sites, including Skalkaho Bend and Steve Powell Parks in Hamilton, and C. Ben White Memorial Fishing Access Site and Trail in Conner.
“Our community came together to bring our first public access project to life, Skalkaho Bend Park in Hamilton, and now it’s time to rally again to create another special, easily accessible nature park close to the town of Victor,” says Rennaker. “No matter where you live in the valley, this new park will give visitors a bird’s eye view to the way our community values agricultural heritage, wildlife, and a commitment to conservation in the Bitterroot Valley. Please help make this dream a reality for future generations to enjoy.”
Donations are currently being accepted to support the park through the BRLT website. Members of the community are invited to join BRLT to learn more about the Groff Family Park at a series of free family-friendly events hosted at the future park, including a late night star-gazing experience in partnership with the University of Montana at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30, and a Conservation Cowboy Campfire featuring cowboy storyteller and singer Phillip Page on Wednesday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m.
To learn more about the events, and to learn how you can support the Groff Family Park Campaign, visit the BRLT website at www.bitterrootlandtrust.org or the BRLT Facebook page @bitter.root.land.trust or call 406-375-0956.
Stephanie says
Such a special gift to the Bitterroot!