The mission of Vital Ground is to protect and restore North America’s grizzly bear populations by conserving wildlife habitat through the primary strategy of land acquisition and conservation easements. The 143-acre piece of land at Alvord Lake (east of Troy, Montana) is home to grizzly bears, lynx, wolverines and loons giving it significant conservation value. Seeking to protect the land from undesirable and certain development, Vital Ground partnered with the owners, community and other funders to purchase the land. The project is unique in its benefits not only to environmental conservation and education, but its focus on securing public access and enjoyment of the entirety of Alvord Lake.