From the TRCP –
The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest manages over 2.8 million acres in 17 different Montana counties. These forests support some of the finest hunting, fishing, and camping in central and western Montana.
The forest plan that determines the future management of these public lands is currently being revised, and sportsmen need to speak up to make sure our priorities are heard. The proposed action for this Revised Forest Plan has been released for public comment. The draft plan is available here.
Much of this land is important for big game, upland birds, and wild trout, and the management of these lands will directly impact public hunting and fishing opportunities. Sportsmen need to act now to ensure that the best habitats are conserved and restored, and that important public access is sustained and enhanced. Your comments on the proposal are welcomed and needed.
Some things to consider when commenting:
- Conservation of unfragmented, functional habitats is crucial. These lands offer unique opportunities for dispersed recreation including hunting and fishing. These lands also provide important security for big game and other wildlife.
- Wildlife and fisheries restoration and enhancement is a must. We encourage and support active management on the landscape to benefit cold water fisheries, big game, and other wildlife species.
- Reasonable access must be sustained and enhanced. Public access is essential for hunting and fishing. We recommend that you encourage the forest to maintain existing roads and trails that are important for public access. We also encourage you to recommend that the forest service find ways to establish new public access points in areas of the forest that are currently difficult to access or landlocked behind private property.
The comment period closes on Friday – so get over there (to the comment page) and git ‘er done.
