Orchestrator of Haskill deal leaves legacy of conservation

A one-of-a-kind opportunity. That’s how Alex Diekmann always characterized the Haskill Basin land conservation easement.

Quietly working behind the scenes with The Trust for Public Land, it was Diekmann who orchestrated all of the moving parts in the recently completed deal with F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber that permanently protects 3,000 acres of working forestland surrounding Whitefish.

The project is one of many that embodies Diekmann’s legacy of conservation across the West.

Diekmann died of cancer Feb. 1 at his home in Bozeman. He was 52 years old.

Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld took a moment last week to reflect on Diekmann’s passing. The two became close friends as they worked together on the Haskill project over that last half decade.

Muhlfeld recalls the first time he met Diekmann. Both were working on the Story Mill Community Park project in Bozeman — Muhlfeld with his company River Design Group and Diekmann with TTPL.

“He threw this crude map on the table in front of me and asked if I was familiar with Haskill Basin,” Muhlfeld said. “I told him yes, that’s where the city gets its water.”

That’s when Diekmann’s eyes lit up, Muhlfeld said. Most of Whitefish’s drinking water comes from Second and Third creeks in Haskill Basin — a conservation easement in that area would protect that source forever.

“His interest initially was conservation on the working forests near a mountain community,” Muhlfeld said. “He had eyed that Stoltze property for years. When he found out that’s where our water comes from, that became a drive to get it done.”

“He saw that Haskill had water, wildlife, viewsheds, recreation and embraced our community values,” Muhlfeld added. “He always said it was ‘one-of-a-kind’ — that resonated with me.”

Muhlfeld called Diekmann the “mastermind” behind the project. It was Diekmann, through his work at TTPL, who secured the initial $9 million in funding for the $20.6 million deal.

“He was clearly the brains behind the project,” Muhlfeld said. “Without him, the project would never come to fruition.”

Muhlfeld visited with Diekmann in Bozeman shortly after the deal was approved.

“He smiled and gave me a high-five and said way to go,” Muhlfeld said. “It meant a lot to him and gave him a lot of comfort and joy in his last days.”

Diekmann also worked on the Trumble Creek easement near Columbia Falls that’s nearing completion, and initiated discussions about an easement north of Whitefish Lake on Plum Creek land.

But his efforts in the Flathead were only a tiny portion of his career work. In Montana his conservation efforts touched the Taylor Fork in the Gallatin Canyon, Three Dollar Bridge, and the restoration of O’Dell Creek in the Madison Valley.

In total, he worked on 55 land conservation projects across the Rockies encompassing more than 100,000 acres.

“It’s not hyperbole to say he was the best project manager TTPL had,” said Dick Dolan, Northern Rockies Director for TTPL.

With the Haskill deal, in particular, Diekmann was a master at keeping all the interested parties on track, Dolan said.

“There is the city, the public, Stoltze, Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and TTPL, and he’s trying to make sure all of their interests are heard,” Dolan said. “Everyone has a common goal, but they’re coming from different points of view.”

“I always likened Alex to a choreographer or symphony conductor.”

“He was an understated guy. A lot of people don’t understated the impact he had or what we owe him in this state for the public access he helped create and the conservation of land and water.”

Diekmann is survived by his wife, Lisa, and his sons, Logan and Liam.

The city is discussing plans to install a memorial along a segment of the Whitefish Trail in Haskill honoring Diekmann’s work.

A celebration of life will be held later this spring in Bozeman. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to The Trust for Public Land, 1007 East Main Street, Suite 300, Bozeman, MT 59715.