LETTER: MT BHA comments on the East Crazy Inspiration Divide Land Exchange Preliminary Environmental Assessment
On November 9, 2022, the Custer Gallatin National Forest (CGNF) released public notice of a land exchange called the East Crazy Inspiration Divide Land Exchange. The preliminary environmental assessment (PEA) was released simultaneously to disclose and document the possible environmental effects which could arise from the Proposed Action. Here, the Proposed Action is committed to exchange approx. 4,135 acres of National Forest System (NFS) lands for approx. 6,430 acres of non-Federal lands located in the Crazy Mountains of southcentral Montana and the Madison Mountains of southwest Montana.
On behalf of Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (MTBHA) we submit these comments on the PEA. We appreciate the opportunity to provide these comments on a variety of issues, including the need for the agency to include a project alternative for enforcing existing public easements and defending - through litigation or any other means - historical access over and across private property.