Our History

For more than 150 years Montana agriculture families have accomplished far more than help build the state's economy and culture while producing the highest-quality agricultural products. Montana agriculture families have also played a fundamental role in maintaining and preserving Montana's scenic landscapes, including historic sites throughout the Lewis & Clark Trail.

The concept of Undaunted Stewardship® was first developed in 1999 by a consortium of agricultural, government and conservation groups to help ensure these lands are preserved while also remaining in agriculture production for 150 more years and beyond. Undaunted Stewardship® was conceived as a means of establishing a balance between land productivity, preservation and recreational use.

As "undaunted stewards" of these lands, Montana agriculture families are the logical captains of this journey, but must be joined by conservation, government and recreation interests so that all Montanans can enjoy the benefits of this landmark initiative.

Undaunted Stewardship® is a cooperative and multi-faceted program led by federal, state and private sector agencies, seeking to ensure the long-term maintenance of the environmental quality and economic productivity of privately-owned agricultural landscapes, especially in areas rich in history along the Lewis & Clark Trail in Montana.