406 Forum

The Custer Gallatin National Forest is in the process of rewriting its Forest Plan, which was originally written more than 25 years ago.

What changes would you like to see in the management of the Custer Gallatin National Forest?

Steve Johnson, Big Sky, Mont.
Retired

“I would like to see the [Hyalite Porcupine Buffalo Horn Wilderness Study Area] get resolved … It’s been frozen in time since 1977. And what’s happened since 1977? Big Sky. After 39 years, it’s time to figure out what to do with this thing.”

Bob Zimmer, Bozeman, Mont.
Waters Program Director, Greater Yellowstone Coalition

“[I’m] primarily [interested in] water issues and watershed management inside and outside the forest … As soon as you put dams or diversions in your streams, they tend to lose ecological function. On a personal basis as well as an advocacy basis, I would like to see free-flowing, unpolluted, clear streams in our forest.”

Will Norris, Big Sky, Mont.
Retail Associate, Grizzly Outfitters

“As an avid mountain biker, I’d like to see less emphasis on wilderness protection areas. Mountain biking gets a bad reputation by being associated with other wheel-based sports, such as dirt bikes … In reality it creates less emissions and has a considerably lower impact on the trails. Plus, it’s an activity that brings people to the area and into nature, which boosts the support of the forest.”