Southwest Singletrack: Regional Advocacy Update
There is a whole lot of action right now in the realm of public lands. We have taken a few of the most pertinent topics for mountain bikers in Southwest Montana and condensed them. Here’s what you need to know:
Forest Plan Revision
The Custer Gallatin National Forest (CGNF) just released their Forest Plan, which will guide high-level management for decades. A lot of work over the last four years has gone into creating this plan. All of the documents, a summary, maps, and webinars can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/custergallatin/landmanagement/planning/?cid=fseprd482956.
Gallatin Forest Partnership (GFP)
Diverse groups, including SWMMBA, got together and came up with a plan for public lands in the Gallatin Range and parts of the Madison Range. The first part of the agreement ties into this Forest Plan, while other portions will happen later. Many parts of our plan are reflected in the CGNF forest plan, and we are working to improve some parts that were not included. https://www.gallatinpartners.org/
Great American Outdoors Act
The big item in national news is that the Great American Outdoors Act has just passed and will help fund deferred maintenance with billions of dollars. Check out OA, of which IMBA is also a member. They have been working closely with this. https://www.outdooralliance.org/
Scratchgravel Hills
Our neighbors to the north near Helena have proposed a 40-mile trail system to be made in a well thought out plan with disc golf, wildlife leave areas, and bike-emphasized trails. This is great terrain on BLM land for shoulder-season riding, like Copper City. Write your comment soon! Last day to participate is August 7th. https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/102446/510
Bozeman Municipal Watershed Project
This project involves thinning to avoid catastrophic wildfire in the wildland-urban interface and watersheds that flow to Bozeman’s drinking-water sources. Webinars and recorded videos can be found on Facebook, below. There will be some conflicts with recreation, but the Forest is aware and will try to reduce impact to other forest users. We will help get the word out when and where they get started working.