Montana Voices: Seeley guest ranch supports Jean Curtiss for reelection

In the many years of operating our family guest ranch in Seeley, we’ve come to appreciate the importance of working together with elected leaders who understand our unique issues in a rural community as well as our vision for sharing Montana’s unique outdoor places with generations to come.

Missoula County Commissioner Jean Curtiss has both the policy expertise and the personal experience to understand the vital role our guest ranches play in our economy as well as upholding our rural outdoor way of life.

Jean Curtiss’s Dad, Johnny Matthew, worked for outfitter Hap Morris packing into the Bob Marshall before it was designated wilderness.

She grew up across the meadow from the 33-Ranch in Condon, started by her great uncle, Babe Wilhelm. Her ancestors built the Holland Lake Lodge.

She comes from a long line of people who work hard and work together.

I saw this firsthand as we have worked with Missoula County and Five Valleys Land Trust on voluntary conservation easements to protect over 300 acres of open agricultural land on our guest ranch in Woodworth Meadows. Jean was a big supporter in helping us towards protecting these working landscapes for generations to come.

Jean works in the trenches to find real solutions instead of indulging critics. She’ll work with anyone to get to the heart of any problem and our county is better off thanks to her leadership. Join us in making sure Commissioner Curtiss can keep working for all who live in Missoula County.

The Rich Ranch is a family guest ranch owned and operated by three generations of the Rich family in Seeley Lake in the Blackfoot-Clearwater Valley near the doorstep to the Bob Marshall.