Distinctly Montana Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.distinctlymontana.com/i/20776
Laszlo’s property in the Madison Valley. KIM YABLONSKI While the awardis very meaningful for Laszlo, Alex Diekmann, senior project manager for The Trust for Public Land, says the restoration has been the most ambi- tious undertaking in the state; other spring creek systems “don’t hold a candle to the O’Dell” now. Discover the Beauty, Convenience and Energy Savings of Lighting Control. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Diekmann headed up the conservation easement part of the project. LT_BlackBox_DistinctlyMontana_Qtr_final.pdf 10/19/10 4:34:12 PM “When we looked at this project, we thought wouldn’t it be a shame if you do all this work to restore the creek and we don’t marry it with a conservation easement so it will stand the test of time. Theoretically, who knows what someone down the line will do. Now, it is forever protect- ed,” Diekmann said. “It is a security blanket on top of the restoration work they’ve done.” A large amount of funding was needed for the project, but the stream restoration is designed to maintain itself. “The restoration is not finished when the equipment leaves and, potentially, it is never finished,” he said. While the award is very meaningful for Laszlo, “the real reward is the result,” he said. “One thing I’m very proud of is we continue to run a cattle operation and still do this restoration. Because of the leap of faith we’ve taken, we led the way in terms of dem- onstrating that private landowners and public agencies and corporations can work well together and achieve great results without the loss of privacy and private use and enjoyment. Because of that, I would say the vast majority of the landowners along O’Dell Creek, and it is entirely privately owned, are interested in becoming involved. The limiting factor now is money. It is very expensive and time consuming,” Laszlo said. Despite the private nature of the O’Dell Creek, Laszlo says the project does benefit others. If we can improve flows and temperatures in the Madison River, if we can provide sanctuary and improved habitat for migratory birds that people enjoy, those are really important public benefits.” 204 West Third Ave. Big Timber, MT 59011 Experience Lighting Control at LiteTouch.com 406-932-5400 · www.5400.tv BRILLIANT SOLUTIONS IN LIGHTING CONTROL 70 ® “The benefits apply to everyone equally,” Laszlo added. “The power company gets their water, the irrigator down- stream, who may run short in a dry year, gets to use that water provided they have the water right to use it, and the recreationist benefits because we are potentially improv- DISTINCTLY MONTANA • WINTER 2011