Bozeman News

Discover trail closures with no names on map

Sparsely Labeled Gallatin Forest Recreation Map Released

By Lucia Stewart, 10-08-07

The long-awaited motor vehicle travel plan for the Gallatin National Forest became available to the public today— but with maps that are not clearly marked.

The Gallatin National Forest is stressing that particular areas and trails are now closed to motorized travel unless designated open, with up to a $5,000 penalty. The new maps are the only place to locate these closures since updating trail route markers and destination signs are only now getting underway.

But with trails marked only by a number, and without topographic lines and names of lakes, streams, roads, highways, mountain ranges or some towns like Livingston and Cook City, deciphering these maps is a challenge.

Some organizations are already calling for a redo.

Citizens for a Balanced Use, an organization with a voice for motorized vehicles, and The Wilderness Society are just two of the groups that are unhappy with the legibility of the new maps, as they are suppose to be the guiding sources to reduce conflict amongst users.

The project of updating the motorized travel plan began in 2002, as part of the larger Gallatin National Forest Travel Plan. The plan underwent hundreds of meetings, received thousands of comments and endured a few lawsuits.

The map is four months overdue and doesn’t contain information on motorized winter use, although there is an expected release of another map before the winter season.

Maps are free at the Gallatin National Forest offices around Southwest Montana and people are encouraged to call or stop by the office with any questions relating to the maps.

Find the maps by clicking here.

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