The Lolo and Bitterroot National Forests encompass approximately 3.5 million acres in western Montana and provide wildlife habitat, cold water fisheries, recreational opportunities, and thousands of jobs. The land-use plans guiding management of these vast public lands were written 35 years ago, when the local population was much smaller, commercial timber harvest was a primary management focus, and there was far less information on how wildlife moved across the landscape. Now, a seemingly limitless demand for outdoor recreation opportunities, the growing presence of noxious weeds, and the impacts of decades of fire suppression and warming conditions on forest health are putting new pressures on wildlife and habitat. Simultaneously, rapid exurban development continues to fragment winter and transitional ranges for elk and deer on private lands.

The Lolo and Bitterroot National Forests' land-use plans must be updated to address the challenges facing fish and wildlife on our public lands. Sign up today to be informed of upcoming opportunities to speak up and help revise these plans to benefit healthy habitat and clean water.