Call it the ultimate Montana keepsake.

An innovative project in Libby is enabling Americans throughout the country to own their own “living, breathing piece of Montana” — Montana-raised pine and fir trees.

And with each seedling order they’re supporting Libby residents with developmental disabilities.

The Northwest Montana Tree Co. is a new nonprofit subsidiary of Achievements Inc., the organization that serves adults with developmental disabilities in the Libby area.

“The concept is based on the idea that all folks residing in Montana have relatives and friends to whom they like to send Montana gifts,” said Michael Allen, business director of Flathead Industries, which has a management contract with Achievements.

Northwest Montana Tree Co. sells four varieties of conifers: lodgepole, ponderosa and western white pine and Douglas fir. Recipients of the trees can plant them or grow them in pots as indoor or outdoor plants, Allen said. If nurtured, the trees, particularly the Douglas fir, can grow to impressive heights — or they can be pruned to remain in a window box.

“All it takes is water and care,” he said.

Alaska, California, Hawaii and Arizona are states that don’t allow non-native species to be planted.

Allen said the organization was looking for a source of income to replace a vending machine business that wasn’t doing well financially in Libby. Achievements also operates a thrift store and screen printing business.

The organization serves more than 40 developmentally disabled residents of the Libby area, and money from its fundraisers — including the new tree company — will go directly to benefit people with developmental disabilities. Much of the money pays staff wages for those who help run the businesses, Allen said.

He sees it as the “perfect gift” because the trees will help sustain the environment and the money made helps sustain those with disabilities.

The Northwest Montana Tree Co.’s brochure explains the mission: “It is not the concrete and asphalt slabs that will hold our earth together in the immediate and long-range future; it is the roots of the trees and the roots of the families that plant them that will ultimately bind and secure our earth again.”

The state Department of Natural Resources nursery in Missoula is supplying trees and the Salish and Kootenai Confederated Tribes nursery in Ronan has donated several hundred trees to the project.

Allen said it’s too early to tell how much income Achievements can bring in from tree sales.

The seedlings sell for $12.99 apiece, plus shipping, and come with directions for planting and caring for the trees.

Those interested in buying seedlings can call Northwest Montana Tree Co. at (406) 283-1532. An order form soon will be available online at http://nwmttrees.com, Allen said.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.