American Prairie, founded by former ranchers, announced it had taken ownership of 70,000‑acre Anchor Ranch on May 30, 2025. The deal, reported by Montana Public Radio, left the purchase price undisclosed despite a $36 million listing.
The acquisition includes a segment of Bullwhacker Road, a key artery that grants access to 50,000 acres of public land in the Upper Missouri River Breaks. American Prairie pledged to keep the road open to the public while allowing current leaseholders to continue ranching.
Local rancher Dan Bartel, who tried to limit nonprofit land acquisitions in 2023, criticized the move, arguing that it inflates land values and hurts small operators. Bartel said the state legislature should enforce stricter limits.
One family, the Youngs of Lewistown, has leased a portion of the ranch for decades. Their forefather, Jim Youngs, said the new ownership would preserve the land for future generations while keeping his family's livelihood intact.
American Prairie plans to open the public stretch of Bullwhacker Road on June 1, 2026, after completing a final environmental review.