June 17, 2021
Mary Erickson, Forest Supervisor
Custer Gallatin. National Forest
10 East Babcock St.
Bozeman, MT 59715
Re: Great American Outdoors Act funds for the Custer Gallatin National Forest
Dear Supervisor Erickson,
I am writing this letter on behalf of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers to voice our support for the Custer Gallatin National Forest’s FY 23 funding proposal. This proposal utilizes funding from the Great American Outdoors Act to address deferred maintenance and new trail construction in the northeastern Gallatin Range.
The Gallatin Forest Partnership’s proposal for construction of two new trails in the West Pine area speaks directly to BHA’s tenet of access and opportunity. The proposal includes construction of one trail to connect the existing North Dry and West Pine trails, creating a loop. The other trail will link the West Pine trails to the Bear Canyon trail system via a new trail connecting the Dry Divide and Bear Lakes trails. These two new trails would greatly improve and expand recreation opportunities in the northern Gallatin Range, close to the town of Livingston and the Paradise Valley, where public access to the Gallatin’s is more limited.
In addition to voicing support, Montana BHA would also like to offer boots-on-the-ground assistance with trail maintenance and construction. With a large number of members in the area, if we’re given advance notice, we should be able to rally enough volunteers to make light work for all.
Sincerely,
Chris Mccarthy
Gallatin Board Member
Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
[email protected]
About Chris McCarthy
The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.