Providing public access to over 100,000 acres of public land, Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) recently celebrated the grand opening of the Big Snowy Mountains Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to Montanans.
“It’s a great day in Montana as we celebrate unlocking over 100,000 acres of public land for folks to enjoy in the Big Snowy Mountains,” Gianforte said. “Not only are we opening access for hunters to pristine wildlife habitat, but also, we’re keeping the land available for cattle grazing to keep ranchers on the landscape. This is a win-win for Montana.”
The Big Snowy Mountains WMA opened for the first time today after the Montana Land Board approved the purchase of a 5,677-acre ranch in Golden Valley County last fall.
The state purchased the property from Shodair Children’s Hospital (SCH), who acquired the ranch by donation from Forrest R. Allen, a World War II veteran, philanthropist, conservationist and farmer.
After acquiring the property, SCH partnered with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) to identify a conservation outcome for the property.
With strong support from Gianforte, RMEF and sportsmen and sportswomen across Montana, SCH sold the land to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in late 2022.
As part of the purchase agreement, the governor proposed a covenant to the vesting deed for the property requiring the state keep the land available for cattle grazing.
“We have a vested interest in seeing land conserved for wildlife habitat while also keeping ranchers on the landscape. This project accomplishes both, and it’s something to be proud of,” the governor said.
Currently under a cattle-grazing lease, the property is entirely native mountain/foothill and prairie grassland habitats with no farmed or crop land. It provides excellent habitat and access to the Big Snowy’s elk herd, as well as habitat for black bear, mule deer, pronghorn and at least 22 animals listed as species of concern.
The region also has significance to several tribes in Montana. Representatives of the Crow Tribe, Blackfeet Nation and Little Shell Tribe attended the grand opening.
Clancy Sivertsen with the Little Shell Tribe said, “This is a big, big deal. Our people lived in this country, and they used everything to make their tools, clothing, the whole works for the culture. This is huge not only for the Little Shell people, but all the people in Montana to have this available. Thank you from the Little Shell.” — Montana Governor’s Office
