Enjoy public lands responsibly
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News from the Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management today urged those heading out to recreate and hunt this fall on BLM-administered lands to be mindful of travel and camping restrictions. Respecting private landowners, wildlife and other recreationists helps ensure everyone will enjoy the experience and then safely return home.
“With very few exceptions, such as in designated open areas, cross-country or off-road motorized vehicle use on public land is prohibited,” said Ken Schmid, BLM’s Acting Deputy State Director, Resources. “We enforce these regulations to ensure the well-being of both the public and our public land resources.”
These regulations help to minimize user conflicts and protect cultural sites, fragile soils, riparian areas, vegetation, and wildlife. Regulations apply to all types of motorized vehicles, including fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and in some areas, mechanized use such as bicycles.
Generally, camping is permitted on BLM-managed lands that have not been developed as a campsite. There are exceptions to this, such as in the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor where camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds, so it’s always best to check with the appropriate BLM field office for specific regulations and maps. You must also have legal access to an area and, in most cases, travel on existing roads and trails to get there. Visitors should be aware that BLM field offices may have seasonal restrictions on routes, closing or opening particular routes in their respective districts depending on weather and/or time of year. Visitors are strongly encouraged to carry a map and be prepared for self-rescue as many areas lack a cell signal.
Reminders:
Tread Lightly - In some areas, only certain roads and trails have been designated for use.
Fixed-wing aircraft are motorized vehicles too and must land on a motorized route.
Familiarize yourself with proper trail etiquette and know what to do when meeting others, e.g. bicycle, horseback or foot.
Know where you are at and get permission to cross private land. Shut gates or leave them as found.
Know before you go. All state and local rules and regulations are enforceable on federal lands.
Plan your stay. Camping in one spot on BLM-administered land is allowed for 16 days maximum. After 16 days of camping in a single location, you must not camp at that location until at least 30 days have passed, and any camp relocation within that 30-day period shall not be within a one-half mile radius from the original site. Other restrictions may also apply.
Pack it in, Pack it out - All garbage must be removed, including hides from game animals and cigarette butts. Leave the site cleaner than you found it.
Removal of historic, archaeological or paleontological resources from federal land is prohibited.
Wash vehicles before and after traveling roads and trails to avoid spreading noxious weeds.
Only noxious weed-seed-free forage may be used on BLM-administered public lands.
Be aware of current fire restrictions and follow all Montana hunting regulations.
Visitors may experience pockets of dry vegetation across Montana. Watch where you park and check your undercarriage. Vehicles have recently burned due to accumulated vegetation igniting in the undercarriage. Don’t let this be you.
The BLM manages about 8 million acres of often remote and rugged public land in Montana. We depend on the eyes and ears of the public to assist our law enforcement rangers. If you witness illegal or inappropriate use and it is safe to do so, please obtain photographs, a license plate number, and description of the vehicle, and contact the BLM. Violations may also be reported by calling 1-800-826-3023 or 1-800-TIP-MONT.
Learn more about off-highway vehicle use and travel management at http://blm.gov/31ld. Enjoy your time while visiting your public land.
