On December 4, MWF Central Montana Field Representative, Marcus Strange, and board member, John Salazar, attended a meeting of the Meagher County Commission to address the Commission opposition to a public access project by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Know as the Holmstrom Sheep Creek Access Project, this land purchase would improve access to roughly 11,000 acres of habitat in Meagher County. MWF strongly supports the proposed purchase of the 4,273 checkerboarded acres by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. This area offers incredible wildlife values, stunning scenery and would improve public access in the Little Belt Mountains, a place where access can be challenging at times. Additionally, the project will also improve access to roughly 9 miles of cold-water tributary streams that are vital to the robust nature of the Smith River. Once transferred to the Forest Service, this land would be protected as public land in perpetuity.
Originally this project would be funded through LWCF funds; however, because the Meagher County Commission has opposed the project, it is highly unlikely the RMEF will be able to secure LWCF funding, meaning that the project would not occur and the land would stay in private hands. After meeting with RMEF, MWF, and a host of citizen advocates, the commision has agreed to reconsider their decision to oppose the project.
Because the support of the Commision is vital to the funding of this project, please take a moment and let the Meagher County Commission know that you support public lands, public access, wildlife, and a citizen’s right to sell their land by clicking HERE (get link from ZACH).
If you’d like to help speak up for our public lands and wildlife, contact Central Montana Field Rep. Marcus Strange at mstrange@mtwf.org or 458-0227.
