Montana State Office
| Contacts: | Jack Conner 406-896-5228 |
Hunters Accessing Public Lands Should be Aware of Rules
Hunters accessing BLM-administered lands this season are reminded to drive only on established roads and trails. The BLM and Forest Service prohibit "cross-country" travel in order to reduce soil erosion, reduce the chances of wildfire ignition from hot exhaust systems, and reduce impacts to wildlife habitat and vegetation.
Hunters and recreationists are also reminded to be certain of land ownership. It is unlawful to travel through private property to access public property without the consent of the property owner. Hunters should obey signs and leave gates as they are found. Obtain a map of the area you intend to go, and check in with your local Forest Service or BLM office to obtain current road information. BLM maps are available for a fee at each BLM office, and Forest Service travel maps that indicate which roads and trails are open to motorized use are available for free at all Forest Service offices and on each National Forest’s website.
Violations can be reported by calling the BLM Billings Field Office at 896-5266, or by calling 1-800-TIP-MONT. Further information may also be obtained on the web at http://www.blm.gov/mt/st/en/prog/recreation.html.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends. In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
Montana State Office 5001 Southgate Drive Billings, MT 59101