Under the Big Sky 2025 is a long-term conservation initiative launched in 2015 by the American Prairie Reserve, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the Great Plains to its natural state. The goal of the initiative is to protect and restore a vast, interconnected landscape that spans millions of acres across Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota, creating a stronghold for wildlife and preserving the region’s cultural heritage.
The importance of Under the Big Sky 2025 lies in its potential to create a resilient and sustainable ecosystem that benefits both wildlife and local communities. By restoring native grasslands, wetlands, and riparian areas, the initiative aims to improve water quality, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for a wide range of species, including bison, pronghorn, and greater sage-grouse. Additionally, the initiative supports sustainable ranching practices that promote biodiversity and maintain the region’s rural character.