To kick off Public Lands Month, the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers joined forces with FHF Gear, Montana FWP, and Burch Barrel to clean up the Erwin Bridge Fishing Access Site in Belgrade, MT.

Roughly 40 public land owners showed up to do some heavy lifting, including MT BHA members, FWP personnel, the crew from FHF Gear, several contributors from the MeatEater office and the staff from Burch Barrel.

In total, the group collected multiple bags of loose trash, some random tires, a large rusty cable and one massive tractor tire which will be reused thanks to FHF Gear founder Paul Lewis who knew of a cross fit gym that could use it as a fitness aid.

The fine folks at Burch Barrel fed everyone an incredible meal cooked over an open flame on site, while a few Public Land Owner pale ales made the end of summer celebration a hit.

The evening proved to be a solid cleanup effort to kick off Public Lands Month and a way to earn some karma heading into the fall hunting seasons. Thanks to everyone who came out and helped make this happen!

If you're looking for ways to help clean up your public lands and waters this month, be sure to check out and participate in BHA's Public Lands Pack Out sponsored by First Lite happening all month long!