Bitter Root Road Summary

A petition was filed pursuant to MCA 7-14-26 under the jurisdiction of Missoula County to reestablish a documented public right of way providing access to 35 acres of FWP land and the Bitterroot River. The road has been unmaintained and used/divided as private property for years. Because the precise location of the road is unknown, the petition requests to alter the right of way to an existing nearby private road connected to Haugan Drive.

In response to the petition to alter the right of way, another petition was filed to abandon the road altogether. It’s important to note that disuse does not mean a road can be abandoned, nor can a county road be abandoned unless another public road or right of way provides substantially the same access (MCA 7-14-26).

Missoula County has now held two site visits and two public hearings on the matter. Another hearing is scheduled for September where it is believed that the commissioners will address both petitions in conjunction. PLWA has advertised the issue to members and social media followers. Those that are interested should participate in the public participation process at the county level. PLWA will continue to monitor the issue and provide guidance if needed.