Parks for America

Cover

Contents

Foreword

Summary

Findings and Recommendations

Planning Elements

Parks for America

MONTANA

MONTANA, the fourth largest State in the Union, offers great inducements to the vacationist bent on outdoor recreation.

The historic blockhouse at Fort Logan, Mont., relic of the Indian wars and the West's last remnant of this type of fort structure, has been recommended for State protection as a historic monument. (MONTANA HIGHWAY COMMISSION.)

The 1960 population was 674,767, a 14-percent increase over 1950. Projections indicate it may reach 908,000 by 1976. Urban population gained 31 percent in the last decade. The average density is 4.6 persons per square mile; however, 20 counties have less than 2 people per square mile.

Outdoor recreation plays an important part in the State's economy. The tourist industry ranked fourth in 1960 with estimated expenditures of $125 million. The interstate routes will increase visitation by shortening travel time from large centers of population.

The recreation resources include prairies, forest-covered slopes, mountain lakes and meadows, clear-flowing streams, and the grandeur of the northern Rocky Mountains.

Reservoirs in eastern Montana provide important water-oriented recreation. Delightful summers and pleasant autumns encourage outdoor recreation. Winter sports are becoming increasingly popular. Hunting and fishing are of State and nationwide interest. Several rivers offer opportunities for canoe or float trips. Open space and the western atmosphere of working ranches are important tourist assests. A rich historical heritage accents westward expansion, Lewis and Clark exploration, fur trade, military and Indian affairs, and the cattlemen's empire. Seven sites possess exceptional value in commemorating the history of the United States and are eligible for Registered National Historic Landmark status.

EXISTING PUBLIC AREAS

NATIONAL: The National Park Service administers two national parks (including the Montana portion of Yellowstone National Park) totaling 1,152,946 acres and two historic monuments with 965 acres. The 1960 attendance was 2,325,000. The Forest Service administers 11 national forests (including Montana's portion of 4 forests that are partially within other States) totaling 16,635,451 acres. Within these there are 10 wilderness and wild areas totaling 2,102,850 acres and 281 recreation areas using 2,013 acres. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife manages 19 national refuges totaling 1,121,374 land and water acres. Five of the refuges, with 12,373 acres, are partly or entirely on private land. The Bureau of Land Management administers 6,700,000 acres; portions of these lands are potential park and recreation areas.

STATE: The State Park Division of the Montana Highway Department administers 25 parks, monuments, and recreation areas totaling 9,547 acres. The 1960 attendance was 365,500. There are seven State forests with 202,949 acres managed by the Montana State Forester. The Montana Fish and Game Department administers 119,511 acres in 39 fishing access areas and 20 wildlife areas.

LOCAL: An area of 10,000 acres is maintained by Hill County for organization camp use.

PRIVATE ENTERPRISE: The important dude-ranch industry provides summer ranch vacations with pack trips into forests and wilderness areas. Concession and related facilities in national parks and forests and winter sports areas are privately operated.

PARK AND RELATED NEEDS

The State park system represents a good nucleus, but needs additional and diversified areas both for residents and out-of-State visitors. The situation at local levels could be improved by better distribution of recreation areas. An adequate system of roadside parks is of immediate importance, with provision for camping conveniences. Preservation of free-flowing streams with provision for public access and control of pollution is essential.

A free-flowing reach of the Missouri River, key to the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, is proposed for a Lewis and Clark Wilderness Waterway in Montana.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Existing recreation resources and many potential areas are shown on the accompanying tabulation and map. The following recommendations are offered to help provide needed outdoor recreation opportunities for public enjoyment and use.

NATIONAL: Provision of adequate public recreation facilities at Yellowtail Reservoir (Big Horn Canyon), in cooperation with the Crow Indians, and further study of a proposed Lewis and Clark National River in the Missouri River Breaks section.

STATE: Enlargement of the State park system to preserve valuable resources by addition of 3 scenic areas, 6 historic and scientific sites, and major expansion of 11 existing areas. Further study of seven suggested areas for day and weekend recreation.

Supporting recommendations include

1. Cooperative study to determine desirability and feasibility of a Lewis and Clark Historic Tourway coordinated with other States and appropriate agencies.

2. Establishment of an adequate system of roadside parks. Some should be provided along interstate routes at the time of their construction.

3. Designation of a system of State and local scenic roads.

4. Consideration of a Federal-State study to determine desirability for a scenic route between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, utilizing existing roads.

5. Preservation of important free-flowing streams and designation of rivers suitable for canoe or float trips.

6. Cooperative planning to take full advantage of the recreation potential of Bureau of Land Management lands and State Fish and Game and State Water Board lands.

7. The Historical Society of Montana should act in an advisory capacity to the State Parks Division in interpretation of the history in its parks and monuments. A further role would be to recommend acquisition of sites of State significance.

(Table omitted from online edition)

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Last Modified: Mon, Sep 6 2004 10:00:00 pm PDT
parks_america/montana.htm