Reporting A Complaint
First Steps
If you want to learn about what your rights for access in the State of Montana are, visit the Know Your Rights page and click on the button that covers your issue of concern.
If you have a specific question about Montana road law, including petitions to abandon or close a county road, review this document first. If you have questions about the steps to look into a blocked county road, this brochure outlines those steps.
Next Steps
If you know what department is in control of the area in question reach out to them directly for information. This information, regardless of the outcome, can be useful in an access investigation. Directories are linked below:
File A Complaint with PLWA through the AIRS Program
If you have taken the above steps and have been unable to reach resolution or need assistance moving your complaint forward, use the form below to file your access issue complaint. The more information the better. If you have files to send we will follow-up with you to supply an address where you can send photos and other supplemental case details.
Are you a business that would like to participate in the AIRS program by displaying a program placard and letting people know how to submit access complaints? Send us a message below. The success of our program relies on the great businesses across the state that advocate for public access and spread the word about our work!
If you have a general question regarding access that is not a complaint, you can reach out to our Public Access Investigator below.
Learn about PLWA’s AIRS Program
PLWA’s Access Issue Reporting System is the first of its kind to address access issues across the state of Montana. The goals of the AIRS program are:
To provide a central point for the public to register access complaints from around the state.
To collect data to learn about the volume, type, and location of access issues that the state is facing.
To track the evolution of access issues occurring in Montana.
To increase the efficiency of investigation and resolution of access issues interfering with the public’s ability to reach and recreate on Montana public lands and waters.
The AIRS program relies on partnerships with members, volunteers, communities, businesses, state and federal organizations, and other nonprofits to accomplish its work. Entry points for complaints are businesses engaged in outdoor recreation across the state, word-of-mouth at community events and educational seminars, and trainings conducted by PLWA staff. AIRS also receives generous support from donors.
To partner with the AIRS program by displaying one of our AIRS flyers in your business, being an AIRS ambassador and educating about our program, or supporting our access efforts, message us at plwa@plwa.org.
Thank You To Our Program Supporters
Garry & Leanne King
Conrad Williams Family Charitable Fund
Craig and Cathy Roberts
