August 30, 2023
Mary Erickson
Forest Supervisor USDA Forest Service – Custer Gallatin National Forest
10 E. Babcock Bozeman, MT 59771
RE: Crevice Mountain Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Acquisition
Ms. Erickson
On behalf of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and our roughly 3,000 dues-paying members, please consider the below comments outlining our support for the Crevice Mountain Land and Water Conservation Fund Acquisition project (Crevice LWCF).
Our members value wild places, quality habitat, public access and the fair-chase hunting and fishing opportunities these things provide. Our support for LWCF -funded acquisition should come as no surprise as it includes the purchase of up to 360 acres of private land from willing sellers above Jardine, Montana, adjacent to Yellowstone National Park and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
This area is at the heart of the critical Northern Range migration corridor, in occupied grizzly bear habitat, and provides quality hunting and fishing opportunities. At the heart of the legendary Montana Hunting District #313, backcountry hunters on foot and horseback have relied on this landscape for generations. This project provides a rare opportunity to preserve a way of life and protect the integrity of Yellowstone National Park, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and the wildlife that relies on this remarkable landscape.
The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers strongly endorses this use of LWCF dollars to integrate these areas into the Custer Gallatin National Forest. This project will ensure permanent public enjoyment of these important natural resources, maintain traditional recreational and business opportunities, and will sustain water quality and wildlife habitat for present and future generations. We look forward to working with the landowners, the Forest Service and other partners to complete this acquisition.
Sincerely,
Chris McCarthy, MT Volunteer Regional Board Member
Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
About Chris McCarthy
The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.