Montana's public lands are vast, but access to those lands isn't always guaranteed. Through PLWA's new Access Desert Initiative, we're taking a closer look at what's secure, what's vulnerable, and where action may be needed. As we say at PLWA, the easiest gate to take down is the one that never went up!

We're starting in the Pioneer Mountains and surrounding valleys, working with local partners and recreationists to better understand existing access routes, map lost access, and identify potential barriers.

Why the Pioneer Mountains? Changes in landownership and demographics have contributed to the loss of several historic access points, while others remain vulnerable or lack clear legal protection. We want to identify these challenges and find opportunities to protect public access before more is lost.

And that's where you come in! Whether you know the Pioneers well or simply care about keeping Montana's public lands accessible, we'd love to hear from you. Come learn about the project, share what you know, ask questions, be an access advocate, and enjoy some snacks!

A big thank you to the Patagonia DillonStore for hosting this event and providing pizza and refreshments!

See you there!