"Keeping the public on public lands & waters"





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River and Stream Access


Montana has some of the most open and progessive stream access laws in the world, but they are under constant assault from out of state, deep pocketed, privatization advocates.

Montana Stream and Bridge Access
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Defining a Public Road


RESEARCHING A PUBLIC ROAD

The Montana Wildlife Federation with which PLAAI is affiliated , is one of the lead organizations in the fight to maintain access to public land and water. A big part of this fight is keeping the roads to this public land and water open.   more

Determining the status of an existing road

STEPS TO DETERINE THE STATUS OF AN EXISTING ROAD

1) Determine the exact location, including the county, township and range, section and quarter-sections (NW1/4, SW1/4, etc.) of the road in question.   more

THE NORTH AMERICAN MODEL OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

How the people of the United States and Canada achieved the ‘Triumph of the Commons’ and restored wildlife to abundance and preserved wild lands and natural landscapes for future generations.

THE CONSERVATION ETHIC
“The greatest good for the greatest number of people for the greatest length of time.   more

ILLEGAL POSTING OF PUBLIC LAND

Imagine that you have traveled several hours to get to your favorite public land hunting spot in southeastern Montana to do some mule deer hunting, only to find out that someone has wrongfully posted several "No Hunting" signs on the fenceline along one of those parcels of land? To take this scenario one step further, imagine that the person who is ultimately found to be responsible for this situation is a licensed outfitter in Montana, and worse yet, is not even a Montana resident but is a resident of WYOMING!!   more

RECREATIONAL USE OF STATE LANDS

As part of the original statehood action 5.2 million acres were deeded to the State of Montana to be used for school funding .   more

MONTANA A.G. OPINION ON BRIDGE ACCESS

During the 1990's there was a great deal of controversy about access to streams at bridges. In reaction to this , MT Fish Wildlife and Parks requested an opinion from the Attorney General about the legality of recreational access at bridges.   more

"NAVIGABLE" RIVERS

Since statehood in 1889, under the Federal Equal Footing Law, Montana has owned the beds of navigable rivers that have sustained commercial use. The Federal Tests for commercial use include floating logs, fur trade, mail routes, transportation of goods, float-fishing, outfitting and guiding, float-boat rentals, adventure floating and guiding and all commercial uses.   more

WHO OWNS ISLANDS IN MONTANA RIVERS ?

I. GENERAL BACKGROUND

Rivers , streams , and creeks are an important - maybe the lifeblood - of Montana’s geography, economy and culture.   more

HUNTER OR ANGLER HARRASSMENT

If you are threatened or chased off of public land while hunting or fishing you have the law on your side if you wish to take legal action against the person . It comes from the Montana Statutes - specifically MCA 87-3-142.   more

Triumph Of The Commons

Most people of this country own private property in some form. Few American citizens realize, however, that they are equal shareholders in a vast, complex and immensely valuable estate of public property.   more

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS ON FEDERAL GRAZING LANDS

All citizens have the right to hunt, fish, and recreate on BLM and Forest Service land - even though the land is subject to a grazing permit. If a permit holder tries to kick a hunter or angler off the land they are subject penalty under the Code of Federal Regulations Subpart 4140.   more

KEY POINTS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS

CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES

We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

- Preamble followed by Seven Articles and Twenty Six Amendments that form our national government.   more



public land news

PLUM CREEK DEAL KEEPS PUBLIC LAND OPEN
( 07/04/2008 )   Plum Creek Timber is turning over about a quarter of its Montana holdings in a deal backed by the federal government, which is pitching in $250 million, said U.

RIVERSIDE BRIDGE FAS GETS FAST TRACK
( 07/02/2008 )   Acquistion of 3.

public land issues

Boadle Road - 2003 -2008
Choteau county - A LONG COURT BATTLE
Lodgepole Creek Road (2007)
Lodgepole Rd.- Myers Creek Ranger Station Stillwater County
Lilly Pad and Crater Lakes
Beautiful Lakes on School Trust Land

    8 more public land issues

Public Land/Water Access Association Inc. or PLAAI, is a citizen group organized and operated under the Montana nonprofit corporation act.

TERMS OF USE
Articles and Information on this site represent the opinion of the writer and are not intended as legal advice. Legal counsel may be needed in dealing with specific access situations and issues.
     
      PLWA.ORG   -   Public Land & Water Association