Missouri Native Becomes Largest Private Land Owner in U.S. with Montana Ranches

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Stan Kroenke, a Missouri native and owner of the Los Angeles Rams, has become the largest private land owner in the United States by accumulating over 225,000 acres across three ranches in Montana. Kroenke's land holdings include the massive 124,000-acre Broken O Ranch near Augusta, the Cedar Creek Ranch near Ennis, and the PV Ranch near Hysham. Kroenke's wealth and land acquisitions can be traced back to his marriage to a Walmart heiress and his construction company that specialized in building properties around Walmart stores.

Why it matters

Kroenke's massive land ownership in Montana has raised concerns among residents about public access to lands and the growing trend of wealthy individuals and companies purchasing large swaths of property in the state. This highlights the broader debate around land ownership, development, and the preservation of Montana's natural landscapes.

The details

Stan Kroenke, a native of a small town in Missouri, has amassed a real estate empire that now makes him the largest private land owner in the United States. Kroenke's land holdings include three major ranches in Montana totaling over 225,000 acres. The Broken O Ranch near Augusta is 124,000 acres, the Cedar Creek Ranch is located near Ennis, and the PV Ranch is situated near Hysham. Kroenke's wealth and land acquisitions can be traced back to his marriage to a Walmart heiress and his construction company that specialized in building properties around Walmart stores.

• Kroenke started acquiring large tracts of land in Montana over the last couple of decades.