Outfitters using the Monture Creek Drainage. Photo courtesy of Montana Wilderness Association
The upper Blackfoot drainage of west central Montana is cradled by epic high-elevation landscapes such as the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and the Mission Mountains. These high-terrain designated wilderness areas are a boon to the low-elevation communities below. They serve to maintain a traditional outdoor heritage, to support a growing nature-based economy, and to feed a regional Montana identity. As a result, inhabitants of the valley have a strong conservation history, including the first citizen-initiated wilderness in the nation – the Scapegoat Wilderness.
The Blackfoot Clearwater Landscape Stewardship Project looks to grow upon this existing commitment to the landscape. In addition to offering economic incentives to rural citizens, this communal proposal would extend the boundaries of Montana’s world-renowned wilderness areas into adjacent high-elevation forest lands that are already being managed for their wilderness character. The addition of these lands will maintain high-quality access for those on foot and horseback, while ensuring secure habitat areas for those on hoof and paw.
After two years of dialogue, stakeholders have formulated a proposal to expand existing wilderness areas by 87,000 acres. The expanded wilderness will be spread throughout select portions of the Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Mission Mountain Wilderness areas. Click the images to learn more about these proposed additions.
