Website by M Design Group. Users will be prohibited from leaving the easement trail until they reach the National Forest boundary. Solving public access issues in the Crazy Mountains has waited over half century, and the time has come.” “Sportsmen and women rely on access to public lands and waters for much of our time afield, with insufficient access being cited as the No. “We appreciate the good work of crews contracted by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in … Public access in the Crazy Mountains is more endangered than anywhere else in the state, according to a report released Thursday by conservation groups. Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about. by lelephantchamp » Tue May 02, … Lanie White, left, who operates the McFarland White Ranch with her father, visits with Carol Hatfield, center, U.S. Forest Service district ranger, and Bill Avey, far right, forest supervisor for Helena-Lewis and Clark Nation Forest, in August 2019 while touring the route of the public access easement across the McFarland White Ranch. The case of a lone bowhunter willing to risk arrest to access public land appears to be leading to a win-win … Crazy Mountain Access Project is a community-based project sponsored by the Park County Environmental Council -- a local conservation organization working to safeguard the land, water, wildlife and way of life in Yellowstone's Northern Gateway. After nearly two decades of negotiations, a new easement has been approved that will soon offer public access to a once unreachable section of Montana's scenic Crazy Mountains. Environment: Montana Climate Council releases final recommendations for combating climate change. The Crazy Mountain Access Project says the Forest Service does not hold recorded easements for Trail #136/East Trunk Trail and that its location on maps has changed repeatedly over time. Acting with impunity undermines the democratic process. Wilsal resident and former Park County Deputy Sheriff Brad Wilson formed Friends of the Crazy Mountains to advocate for maintenance of and access to the trails that circumvent the Crazies and jut into their heart like spokes of a wheel. View Comments. Crazy Mountains Access. When it comes to the Crazy Mountains, time is of the essence. You do not need a Facebook profile to participate. This involves trails 195 and 267 heading south from the Porcupine Forest Service cabin on the wst side of the Crazies. The last piece to complete the formal opening of access to the Big Elk Canyon area is the construction of the parking lot, trailhead, and trail. If Glass registered at the federal level to lobby the proposal, then it stands to reason that the Crazy Mountain Access Project has the same obligation. To preserve quality, in-depth journalism in northcentral Montana, Montana Climate Council releases final recommendations for combating climate change, 'One giant mass of smoke' moving across Montana, Fairfield parent files grievance against district regarding racism, Montana adds 149 new COVID-19 cases Friday, Levine’s absence in Cascade County noticeable as she eyes election, City Commission approves CDBG projects, holds hearing on public needs, Cascade County tops state, adds 26 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, Discounted fee for annual parking permits downtown reinstated, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. (Photo: RION SANDERS/GREAT FALLS TRIBUNE). Currently, the only way to publicly access Big Elk Canyon is from the west side of the Crazies using the Shields River Road out of Wilsall and then hiking over a mountain pass. The Whites sued the Forest Service in federal court in 2008 seeking right-of-way across the corner crossings, arguing they were being illegally denied access to their land and that the Forest Service wouldn't process their request. The range is a patchwork of federal and private lands, unlike most mountain ranges in … The routes the Whites proposed would have traversed about 2,500-feet of public land. "But the regulations are specifically designed to address exchanges of unequal value.". Why does the coalition care about public access in the Crazy Mountains? He put a finger at the trailhead, which was next to a ranger’s station, then traced its meandering path into the Crazy Mountains… The Crazy Mountain Access Project will compile the feedback received at the Big Sky town hall, along with the feedback received at the Big Timber, Livingston, and Bozeman open houses,” said Vice President of Development at the Yellowstone Club Mike DuCuennois in a statement provided to EBS. Please be polite. They also provide some of the best mountain goat … Sweet Grass Creek on the east side of the Crazy Mountains has contested public access. A two-track road crosses from the McFarland White Ranch into Forest Service land near Two Dot. The easement trail, soon to be designated as Big Elk Creek Trail No. The Crazy Mountains National Forest in Montana have been a public access hotbed, beginning in 1940. If you see comments in violation of our community guidelines, please report them. © 2021 Crazy Mountain Access Project. Ultimately the two parties agreed to a non-motorized use easement, with a parking area and trailhead constructed on school-section land administrated by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). You will need to register before adding a comment. Both organizations say they’re also concerned that the public input and environmental review process for the land exchange and new trail could be steamrolled if approved by U.S. … The Crazy Mountains MT are completely surrounded by private land, thus making access to the area difficult. The trail will run from the trailhead for approximately three miles before reaching the National Forest boundary. The Big Elk Creek Trail parking lot and trailhead will occupy an area of approximately one acre, and will be capable of accommodating trucks and/or trailers. The Crazies are almost completely surrounded by private lands making access into the mountains somewhat difficult, especially in the southern section where the highest peaks are located. Map of Big Elk Creek Trail No. The Crazy Mountains National Forest in Montana have been a public access hotbed, beginning in 1940. Credit: Courtesy Brad Wilson This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you. The roads would allow the Whites to access their land-locked properties within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, which up to that time were only accessible by foot or on horseback. The East Crazy Mountain proposal consolidates a block of public lands and increase the overall roadless area in the Crazy Mountains to 94,590 acres. GUEST OPINION: Access in Montana’s Crazy Mountains a big concern. Groups sue Forest Service over access issues in Crazy Mountains. Public feedback. The Crazy Mountains, often called the Crazies, have been debated for years over resolving public access debates with local ranchers, conservationists, hunters, and the Crow people. SHARE. In 2003, Mac and Melody White, owners of the McFarland - White Ranch, submitted an application to the U.S. Forest Service to obtain a special use permit allowing them to construct permanent roads across four corners of Forest Service land. 3 talking about this. The Whites balked at the proposal, arguing that the exchanging 2,500-feet of access for a 2.5-mile easement wasn't equitable. Both sides are frustrated, and from that frustration came the Crazy Mountain Access Project. The McFarland White Ranch at the eastern edge of the Crazy Mountains near Twodot, (Photo: RION SANDERS/GREAT FALLS TRIBUNE). The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act requires the Forest Service to provide access to non-federally owned land within the boundaries of the forest. Resources and capacity to support this website and other educational efforts have been provided by PCEC and dedicated volunteers. They are sacred ground to the Crow Tribe. U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn Ostby sided with the Forest Service, writing in the decision that the law gives discretion to the Forest Service in granting access to public land, and that the agency rejected the ranch's original proposal after considering the proper regulatory factors. Access in Montana’s Crazy Mountains a big concern. Crazy Mountains Access. According to a new proposal in July, the project would consolidate public lands and create new public access on the eastern side of the Crazy Mountains as well as near Inspiration … The role and authority of the Crazy Mountain Access Project is hazy, in part, because it has no obligation to register at the state level. We are a coalition of ranchers, conservationists, and hunters who live, work, and play in the Crazy Mountains. It’s why local hunters, small business owners, ranchers, the Crow Tribe, and conservationists are now coming together to hash out durable solutions to protect our Montana way of life for future generations. After nearly 20 years of legal wrangling, a new public easement to Montana's Crazy Mountains will open this November. In an attempt to force the Custer Gallatin National Forest to assert a claim to public access on four Crazy Mountain trails, a coalition of outdoor groups filed a lawsuit in Billings District Court on … Access in the Crazy Mountains and Colorado: When Private Owners Open Public Land. The Crazy Mountain Access Project hosted four community open houses attended by over 100 members of the public and collected over 75 … MISSOULA, Mont.— Thanks to the construction of a new trail, hunters now have access to the west side of Montana’s Crazy Mountains just in time for Montana’s youth hunt and general rifle season. News: 'One giant mass of smoke' moving across Montana. Late last week, the U.S. Forest Service announced that finalization of the new easement crossing approximately 2.2 miles of private land "is close at hand," and added that the acquisition will include improvements providing non-motorized access to a portion of the Crazies that has been virtually blocked to the public for more than a century. The Forest Service responded that it was willing to issue the special use permit, but only if the Whites reciprocated with a public drive-in easement on 2 to 2½ miles of their private road leading into Big Elk Canyon. Solving public access issues in the Crazy Mountains has waited over half century, and the time has come.” “Sportsmen and women rely on access to public lands and waters for much of our time afield, with insufficient access being cited as the No. 640. The ranch also owns three isolated parcels of land, totaling about 1,020-acres, land-locked within the exterior boundary of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Resources and capacity to support this website and other educational efforts have been provided by PCEC and dedicated volunteers. U.S. Forest Service map and reviewed the route, Trail 267. To preserve quality, in-depth journalism in northcentral Montana subscribe to the Great Falls Tribune. For those willing to hoof it long distances on foot, Montana’s Crazy Mountains offer solitude, rewarding views and dozens of alpine lakes full of hungry trout. The Montana Land Board approved the use of the school section for a parking lot, trailhead, and trail during their August 2020 board meeting. It will then extend roughly three miles, paralleling Big Elk Creek to the mouth of Big Elk Canyon in the northeastern corner of the Crazy Mountains. Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only. (Photo: TRIBUNE PHOTO/RION SANDERS). "No party disputes that, under the Forest Service's proposal, McFarland White Ranch is being asked to give a substantially longer right-of-way than it receives," the judge wrote. Additionally, incidental use is expected from April to September from horseback and hiking enthusiasts. Access to the Crazy Mountains is somewhat difficult, particularly the southern half of the mountain range, as the Crazies are virtually surrounded by private property. New Trail Opens Hunter, Hiker Access to Crazy Mountains. DavidMurray is Natural Resources/Agriculture reporter for the Great Falls Tribune. Crazy Mountain Access Project is a community-based project sponsored by the Park County Environmental Council -- a local conservation organization working to safeguard the land, water, wildlife and way of life in Yellowstone's Northern Gateway. Kevin Farron. Photo by Mike Cline. 1 reason why we forgo hunting and fishing,” said Tony Schoonen Sr. from Skyline Sportsmen’s Association. Please post partners requests and trip plans in the Northern Rockies Climbing Partners section. The goal of the community-built coalition is a land swap on the east side of the range that will work for both landowners and the people who want access to their land. 1 reason why we forgo hunting and fishing,” said Tony Schoonen Sr. from Skyline Sportsmen’s Association. They are a place where Montanans pass on our most cherished traditions like ranching, hunting, and camping. Public access to the area was cut off during the homestead era of the early 20th century, as private land filings gradually surrounded the northeastern reaches of what was then known as the Crazy Mountain Forest Reserve. They are home. The McFarland - White Ranch, which was established in 1907, controls the only vehicular access into the northeastern corner of the Crazy Mountains. The case of a lone bowhunter willing to risk arrest to access public land appears to be leading to a … Continued By Ben Long March 12, 2018 Open Country Blogs Hunting Wiki. Federal regulations and agency policy require the Forest Service to seek a reciprocal right-of-way where there is a demonstrated need for public access to public land. View Comments. Regional discussion and conditions reports for the Northern Rockies. Access in the Crazy Mountains of south-central Montana has been a problem for many decades, but this week Montana hunters, anglers, and recreational users gained another access point into a key area. A few weeks ago Dale Sexton from the working group wanted to float a landowner proposal by a few people in the access community. Enhance outdoor opportunities for hunting, hiking, and camping in the Madison Range and Crazy Mountains. The Yellowstone Club would hand the Forest Service 558 acres near the Lee Metcalf Wilderness in exchange for 500 acres in the Madison Range adjacent to the club to … After more than 16 years of talks, hunters, horseman, hikers and bikers should soon have access to the northeast side of the Crazy Mountains. Options 2 posts Page 1 of 1. lelephantchamp Posts: 2 Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2016 1:28 pm Thanked: 0 time in 0 post. The “East Crazy Mountains and Inspiration Divide Public Access Improvement Land Exchange” aims to provide expanded public access on land within the Crazy Mountains and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Private landowners prefer to keep travel into the Crazy at a minimum. 640, forecast to be open to the public in November 2020 (Photo: Murray, David). “The expected opening as of now is late November, but as there always is with construction in Montana, a myriad of factors could accelerate or delay our plans,” said White Sulphur Springs District Ranger, Carol Hatfield. It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban. A link has been sent to your friend's email address. © 2021 Crazy Mountain Access Project. The lack of trails keeps the Crazy Mountains very wild - virtually all of the lakes in the Crazy Mountains require off-trail hiking across rocky, open and steep terrain. Additionally, Crow Tribal members will acquire legal access through a private inholding to visit Crazy Peak, a … The Crazy Mountains are more than just snow-covered peaks. The parking area will be fenced out for livestock with four-strand barb wire and graveled. To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs. Improving public access to Black Elk Canyon was identified as a priority by the Forest Service as early as 1986, but obtaining a travel easement across private property to reach the area was stalled by a dispute with the owners of the McFarland - White Ranch for more than 16 years. Create guaranteed public access in the East Crazy Mountains through construction of a new 22-mile trail. © 2021 Great Falls Tribune, a division of Gannett Company, Inc. Read or Share this story: https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/2020/09/14/montana-crazy-mountains-open-public-access-november-us-forest-service/5793481002/, (Photo: RION SANDERS/GREAT FALLS TRIBUNE). Posted by Brett French | June 11, 2019 By Brett French - June 11, 2019 - Originally published in the Billings Gazette. 640, will begin on state-owned land approximately 22-miles southwest of Harlowton. A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. The core of the Crazy Mountains would still be hindered by alternating public-private land sections and more cleanup would need to be done in … Finally, after more than 80 years of disagreements, a combination of legal pressures and moneyed interests has amplified the conversation about public access on the east side of Montana’s Crazy Mountains. Website by. To contact him with comments or story ideas; email dmurray@greatfallstribune.com or call (406) 403-3257. However, the major public accesses are Cottonwood Road (FR 198) from the west and Big Timber Canyon Road (FR 197) to the east. Forest officials expect frequent use of the easement from late October through November, coinciding with Montana’s general big-game hunting season. Campfires and overnight use will be prohibited at the parking area, trailhead, and along Big Elk Creek Trail No. Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in. DavidMurray is Natural Resources/Agriculture reporter for the Great Falls Tribune. After decades of open and legal use, the Forest Service has recently allowed legal access points to be blocked on both the east and west sides of the Crazy Mountains, thereby undermining the public’s ability to hunt, fish and recreate on our national forest lands. Posted by Kevin Farron | September 25, 2019 Originally published in the Great Falls Tribune. October 15, 2019. Loco Mountain in Crazy Mountains Montana. To contact him with comments or story ideas; email dmurray@greatfallstribune.com or call (406) 403-3257. The McFarland - White Ranch, which was established in 1907, controls the only vehicular access into the northeastern corner of the Crazy Mountains. Located an hour’s drive north of Bozeman, Montana, the Crazy Mountains encompass prime backcountry lands and waters, providing habitat to elk, whitetails and mule deer, mountain goats and robust predator populations, as well as healthy native trout fisheries. 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