Permanent Public Access Guaranteed to “A River Runs Through It” Parcel in Western Montana

Blackfoot River | Photo credit: Bureau of Land Management

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has formally acquired 7,300 acres of land adjacent to the Lower Blackfoot River and along Belmont Creek in western Montana, guaranteeing permanent public access to a popular fishing destination made famous by Norman Maclean’s classic novel, “A River Runs Through It.” 

The lands were privately owned by Plum Creek Timber until 2014 when The Nature Conservancy – with support from multiple charitable partners, including the Wyss Foundation – acquired nearly 120,000 acres of forests, rivers, and wildlife habitat in the Lower Blackfoot River watershed. The acquisition was part of the Great Western Checkerboards Project to preserve recreational access and the ecological integrity of a vast swath of land across 257 square miles in Washington and Montana.

Upon purchasing the land five years ago, The Nature Conservancy promised the lands would be transferred into public ownership to maintain permanent public access to the forests, mountains, and rivers. At the time, Hansjörg Wyss – founder and chairman of the Wyss Foundation – stated:

“We are proud to support the Great Western Checkerboards Project, The Nature Conservancy and local communities as they work to fulfill a long-term vision for keeping one of America’s most stunning landscapes intact and accessible to all.”

The BLM was able to purchase and protect this 7,300 acres of land and guarantee permanent public access to the Lower Blackfoot River thanks to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – often referred to as America’s most important parks program. 

Without LWCF, these lands – and many like them – could be locked behind gates and put at risk of development. Because of leadership from both Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress, LWCF was permanently reauthorized earlier this year. Efforts are currently underway in Congress to provide full and mandatory funding for LWCF, guaranteeing projects that enhance recreation access and protect America’s public lands and waters such as this project, will continue long into the future.