Madison County ranch receives significant recognition

In March of 2025 the Granger Ranches in Cameron, Mont. was awarded the Wildlife Conservation Award. This award is given to “an individual or non-governmental organization for past, present or ongoing efforts that enhance wildlife conservation in Mont.” according to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MT FWP).

The MT FWP nominated the Granger Ranches for this award to The Wildlife Society (TWS). In a letter of support they stated, “Owner Jeff Laszlo, and the Laszlo family together with manager Billy Whitehurst, and their staff, have a long history of ranching in the Madison Valley with conservation principles that benefit grassland and riparian habitats, benefit many species of wildlife, and which benefit the public. We wish to nominate the Granger Ranches on the basis of their land stewardship principles, how they use their working lands as a classroom to educate others, how they leverage partnerships to improve wildlife movement and migration, how they work with public hunters for wildlife management and of course, their famous O'Dell Creek Restoration project which has hosted trumpeter swan releases for 13 years.”

FWP continued, “Jeff has been open-minded and curious to find new ways to blend a working cattle ranch with conservation and care for the landscape he loves. He is always learning and has hired staff with extensive skills in rangeland ecology and management. Manager Billy Whitehurst has a master's degree in Animal and Range Sciences at Montana State University, has worked with University of Idaho and MSU's extension program, and sits on the Advisory Committee for Montana State University's Ranching system's major.” 

This award helps to showcase the work that Granger Ranches had put into their land for the last several decades. There have been partnerships, collaborations and challenges that the Granger Ranches have had that help them do what they do. Jeff Laszlo went into some history for The Madisonian.

“The first of our ranchlands were purchased by my great grandfather David Granger Sr. in 1936. Prior to that these lands were owned by the Varney Farrel Ranch and Horace Elling, both of whom were historically important to the settlement of the Madison Valley,” states Laszlo.

In order to be considered for this award, Whitehurst explained,

“In all honesty we just did what we do,  steward the land, streams, wildlife and livestock to the best of our abilities in a way that is hopefully a benefit to the environment, the wildlife, the livestock, the people who live and work here, and the community as a whole. We were somewhat shocked when we got the call that we were nominated for the award and even more so when we were named as the recipient.  Julie Cunningham and Claire Gower from MT FWP nominated us. We have worked closely (as have many of the area ranches; we are NOT the only ones in the area involved in conservation efforts) with FWP on several wildlife issues such as trumpeter swan releases, elk hunts, wildlife counts, public access issues, etc. We weren't trying to gain recognition or notoriety.  We were just trying to be a community player where needed.”

Laszlo added that for the extent of their ownership they have been committed to improving their lands and operation while conserving  them for the future.  

“We have been restoring our river bottom lands for 20 years now. This has resulted in 17 miles of stream channel and 1,000 acres of wetlands restored. Grazing management has embraced progressive techniques that employ our livestock to enhance grasslands and wetlands, both of which are critically important to all wildlife from fish to birds to large ungulates such as Moose. We have simultaneously, for the last 11 years, participated in the re-introduction of Trumpeter Swans in the hope that a self-sustaining population can be established in the Madison Valley. Granger Ranches has provided hunting access to the public and worked closely with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks to manage the Madison Elk Herd and study Pronghorn migration. Granger Ranches has regularly hosted groups from students to resource professionals to share our story and lessons learned,” states Laszlo.

This award is a significant honor for ranches and organizations alike that win it. Both Laszlo and Whitehurst were honored that they were nominated for it and even more astounded that they received it. 

“We are extremely grateful to receive this honor and be recognized for our efforts. I think of the ranch as a work in progress. We are continually looking to improve and enhance the synergy between livestock production and conservation. This does not happen overnight and requires continuous adaptation and self examination”, commented Laszlo. 

Whitehurst also commented.

“It's really humbling.  It's not like we started the year with the idea of trying to win an award, we just wanted to do our best to manage and steward the resources in our charge.  We are obviously very appreciative and honored to be the recipient of the award. Anytime someone gives you a pat on the back for your work it's greatly appreciated”.

Winning this award is not going to change their outlook of the ranch and encourages them to continue moving in the same directions they have been.

“I think 50 years ago a livestock operation would be out of the question to receive a wildlife conservation award.  For a period of time it seemed that livestock interests and wildlife interests couldn't even be in the same room with each other.  It is really encouraging to see that divide being narrowed.  In the end we all want the same things...healthy ecosystems, thriving rural families and communities.  I look to see more rancher involvement in wildlife conservation management.  I will also add that Granger Ranches is not an anomaly among ranches, we just won the award.  Many ranches all across our nation are working hard every day to be stewards of the ecosystem and desire to be valued members of their communities”, Whitehurst explains.

Laszlo added that “encouragement and recognition for one’s hard work is always a helpful motivator to forge ahead.”

Laszlo shared that there have been challenges along the way. 

“Funding has been a continual challenge. We have been lucky to cobble together the funding to do this work which has included support from the Granger and Longhorn Ranches. There is a relatively short window of time to do this work and we have been fortunate that the weather has been cooperative. We are also fortunate that those who execute this work are extremely skilled and dedicated.”

Whitehurst added to Laszlo’s statement.

“Anytime you're trying to operate a land based enterprise with multiple goals, each aspect must be considered in relation to the others.  Creating the synergy between the soil, livestock, and wildlife while trying to be an asset to the community takes a lot of thought and effort.  We've tried some things that haven't worked and some that have.”.

As far as the continuing operation of the ranch, Whitehurst and Laszlo both had something to say. 

“Granger Ranches continues to be committed to managing our ranch for a successful agricultural operation while enhancing habitat and soil health”, states Laszlo.

Whithurst expanded on Laszlo’s statement.

“We are looking into the future at the changing perception of livestock grazing and the ecological benefits it provides when it properly fits into the context of the ecosystem as a whole.  There are emerging markets for carbon sequestration and other ecological services that livestock ranches provide that benefit society as a whole. As these markets emerge, it creates new opportunities for alternative "cash crops."  I think rigor mortis only hits an idle object so we plan to keep looking for more ways to improve how we are operating the ranch”.

This ranch has been a prime example of how using your land and working with the right groups can allow you to reach success in multiple places. From being a well recognized ranch in the community to the cattle ranch that is winning a Wildlife Conservation Award.

“I think ranches as a whole desire to be a part of the community more than people may realize.  Even in Montana, the rural/urban divide is real, but all the ranches that I know want to be an asset to their communities either through helping to protect and provide for a great landscape, helping to fill freezers during hunting season, providing opportunities for youth hunters, protecting our watersheds and fisheries, and trying to protect and add to the quality of life that all the residents of the community hold dear”, said Whitehurst.

As Laszlo said earlier he views the ranch as work in progress or an ongoing project.

“Outcomes of the project include improved water quality, fish habitat, increased bird species present and general biodiversity. Mitigation against climate change will be critical for the future health of our ecosystem. This project conserves water and provides important support for the Madison River,” states Laszlo.