Browse Map

Explore away

Explore Map Collection

Check out our basemaps

Print a Map Plus

Generate a high-quality PDF

Field Guide

Discover local flora, fauna, geology, and more

Local Flora & Fauna

Learn the ecology of your area

Local Geology

Learn the geologic formation at your feet

Get Started or Sign In

Welcome

Continue with Apple

Already have an account? Sign In

MAP

Topo

Measure

Topo

Ecoregions

Public Lands

...

BASEMAPS

Default Weather

Temperature

Smoke

...

WEATHER

Durnam Meadow

Lettuce Farmland Returned to the National Forest

Meadow in Gallatin NF, Rocky Mountains near Big Sky, MT

Print Map

Generate High-Quality PDF

This land passed from public to private ownership under the Homestead Act of July 28, 1916. Ed and Isabelle Durnam purchased the land in 1936.The Durnam family raised head lettuce here for almost 30 years. Lettuce was irrigated with Gallatin River water preserved with ice cut from the river in winter and shipped to markets throughout Montana in crates made from local timber cut in the Durnam’s small sawmill. When lettuce farming became uneconomical, the Durnams raised Hereford cattle until Mr. Durnam’s death in 1970.This and the surrounding land is choice wildlife habitat. Because of her love for animals and for the land, Mrs. Durnam wished to return this land to the National Forest. Accordingly this land was purchased with Land and Water Conservation funds in 1978.

— Gallatin National Forest (Roadside Sign)

Taxonomy

Classified As

Meadow