Brandon Ellis / Sunday, February 19, 2023 / Categories: Media, State Issues OPINION: Public property rights deserve protection The Hughes Creek Road in Ravalli County was illegally gated for decades. Landowners blocked the road with gates, threatening signs, and even machinery, essentially giving themselves exclusive access to hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands. The issue has gone to the courts, including the Montana District and Supreme Courts, and the rulings have always been the same: the road must be opened to the public. It’s a public road. Despite the rulings, the illegal gate remained, and bullying continued until just recently, after legal action was taken by PLWA against the Ravalli County commissioners, forcing them to act. During all of this, there were little to no consequences for the landowners who illegally blocked the road. To this day, not a single fine has been levied. It’s incredibly frustrating, and we’re seeing this same story play out across Montana. Read more from the Missoulian here... Take Action to Protect Public Access to Public Lands Previous Article Lawmakers hear bill to increase fines for illegally blocking roads Next Article Jackson Mountain Trails Proposal Print 1 Rate this article: No rating Tags: Montana ChapterMontana issuesaccess Brandon EllisBrandon Ellis Montana Chapter Leader, Stewardship Coordinator Other posts by Brandon Ellis Contact author Full biography Full biography Montana Chapter Leader, Stewardship Coordinator x