Let’s be clear: This is not a property grab. I am not some out-of-stater coming in to seize your land. This is about Montanans standing up for public access rights that Montanans have enjoyed for generations. This is about setting a high standard for our land management agencies and protecting the opportunities of the average outdoorsman or woman.

It’s borderline impossible to defend the illegal closure of a public access route. So instead, Ripley chose to make a highly speculative and deceptive attack on BHA, even going so far as to accuse me of accepting money from “out-of-state billionaires.” Like the rest of the Montana chapter board, I’m a volunteer. We represent more than 3,000 statewide members, whose donations paid for this suit. Ripley’s baseless claims deserve no place in this conversation about how we manage the Crazies.

John B. Sullivan III

Missoula

John B. Sullivan III chairs the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and is a resident of Missoula.

Learn more about the Montana Chapter of BHA:
Visit our website.
Connect with us on Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter.
Find us on Instagram.