Recreational Use Restriction, Gallatin County, Oct. 12, 2022
October 11, 2022
The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is implementing two new site-specific recreational use restrictions in Gallatin County due to ongoing misuse of land associated. Documented complaints and damage on the two sites involving recreational shooting include litter/debris left on the land, private property damage, and public safety concerns.
In accordance with Montana Code Annotated 77-1-804, DNRC posted notice on June 13, 2022, that if misuse was not corrected, then use restrictions could go into place. Signs were posted at common access points for 30 days. Following the 30-day notice period, continued misuse was observed and DNRC proceeded with the recreational use restriction process. Recreational firearm use restrictions will go into effect beginning November 12, 2022, 30 days from the posting of restriction notices at frequent access points to the land where the restriction has been implemented and the issuance of a press release detailing the restriction.
The location and description of the new recreational use restrictions on State Trust Land are below:
Township 3 South, Range 4 East, Section 6
Effective November 12, 2022: Firearms will be restricted year-round in all state land located south and east of Axtell Anceney Road in the SE4SE4 of Section 6 of Township 3 South, Range 4 East. This restriction is implemented for public safety. The land will remain open to other dispersed recreational activities in accordance with Administrative Rule 36.25.149.
Township 1 North, Range 2 East, Section 2
Effective November 12, 2022: Firearms will be restricted November 12 - 25, 2022, for fence, water well, and solar panel repair and lease evaluation on all state land in Section 2 of Township 1 North, Range 2 East. The land will remain open to other dispersed recreational activities in accordance with Administrative Rule 36.25.149.
Effective April 15, 2023: Firearms will be annually restricted from April 15 - June 30 during the grazing season to allow for active grazing, fence repair, and general lease management activities on all state land in Section 2 of Township 1 North, Range 2. This is a seasonal firearm restriction, and land will remain open to other dispersed recreational activities in accordance with Administrative Rule 36.25.149.
An interactive map of all recreational use closures and restrictions can be found at http://dnrc.mt.gov/recreation.
Contact: Erik Eneboe, Acting Bozeman Unit Manager
406-505-6001
eeneboe@mt.gov