Accessible and Protected
In the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Lightning Creek is situated just north of Yellowstone National Park, an hour's drive up the Taylor Fork drainage. Located in the heart of the Madison Range the property is surrounded by National Forest and Wilderness areas. This remote space is only accessible to the public through a trail easement that allows public hiking access through the property to reach high alpine areas including Alp Lake. This 640-acre section of land provides critical habitat for species like the westslope cutthroat trout, elk, and grizzly bears.
As we see an increase in visitors, development, and the negative effects of climate change it is more important than ever to protect places like Lightning Creek to ensure the health of our wildlife, our community, and the entire planet for generations to come. With 610-acres protected through a conservation easement with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, Crosscut is proud to be the current stewards of this important area of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
A unique location with unparalleled natural beauty, surrounded by wilderness.
Lightning Creek
Lightning Creek, which flows through the heart of the property, has an important population of westslope cutthroat trout that are 95% genetically pure. Working with community partners Crosscut has already started stream restoration work in order to continue to protect and preserve this valuable natural resource.
Wildlife Corridor
Lightning Creek is critical habitat for predator and ungulate species of the western Rockies and provides an important migratory corridor for elk and other large fauna. Surrounded by Gallatin National Forest lands, Lee-Metcalf Wilderness, and the proximity to Yellowstone National Park, it occupies a key location in the tapestry of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Conservation Easement
Recognizing the importance of the land and its unique location, the Martin family placed a conservation easement on 610 of the 640-acre property in 2000 to preserve this extraordinary resource for generations to come.