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A Hall resident is one of three ranching families to be presented with the Montana Neighbor Awards by Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

Jim Dinsmore of Hall, Lisa and Mike Bay of Wolf Creek and Irene and John Weaver of Ovando received the awards.

"It's inspiring to see these nominations," said Schweitzer. "The tradition of being a good neighbor is alive and well in Montana, and it's a big part of what makes this state the special place it is. Each of these award winners exemplifies what was written about one of them: 'Solid, trustworthy neighbors who quietly, and always graciously, lead by their good example."

Award winners must demonstrate an exceptional level of cooperation, land stewardship, conservation ethic, neighborly land access, and community leadership. Recipients are chosen by a committee comprised of the Montana Alliance of Land Trusts, Artemis Common Ground, Montana Farm Bureau Federation, The Nature Conservancy of Montana, the Montana Council of Trout Unlimited and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

"Our mission is to promote the on-the-ground reality of being a good Montana neighbor in a time of transition in our state," said Chris King, Winnett rancher who represents the Montana Farm Bureau. "We believe that publicizing the good things that are happening will encourage others to undertake similar efforts."

Each award winner receives Montana Neighbor Award certificates signed by the members of the awards committee and by the governor. The framed document features an Evelyn Cameron photograph from the early 1900s, picturing a hay crew of neighbors working with horse drawn wagons.