Missoula, MT — A proposal to extend the seasonal closure of the Gallatin Wildlife Management Area (WMA) has prompted a discussion about balancing wildlife conservation and recreational access. The Gallatin WMA, located near Big Sky, is an important habitat for local wildlife, particularly elk, during the winter and calving season. Currently, the Porcupine Unit of the WMA is closed to the public from December through May 15, but Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is considering extending this closure until June 15.
Morgan Jacobsen, a spokesperson for FWP, emphasized that the primary purpose of the WMA is to provide critical habitat for wildlife, especially during the winter months and the calving season for elk. “This wildlife management area provides critical habitat during the winter and calving season, ensuring the survival of elk and other species,” Jacobsen explained.
The WMA has become increasingly popular with locals and visitors due to its proximity to Big Sky. As a result, it sees heavy recreational traffic, including hiking, dog walking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. Many of these activities take place during the calving season, raising concerns about their impact on wildlife and the fragile habitat.
“Recreation in this area happens in proximity to the calving season, and to minimize the impact on wildlife, FWP is proposing to extend the closure to June 15,” Jacobsen said. The proposed extension would allow the elk and other wildlife to fully utilize the area without disturbance during the critical spring months.
The rise in human activity has led to several issues within the WMA, including the creation of social trails by recreational users. These trails have begun to disrupt the natural environment, leading to the degradation of the habitat. “Some of the impacts we’ve seen from recreation in this wildlife management area include a network of user-created trails that go all over the area,” Jacobsen said. “This leads to diminished habitat, which goes against the primary purpose of the parcel, which is to provide wildlife habitat.”
The proposal to extend the closure has been opened for public comment, and FWP is gathering feedback until March 25. The Fish and Wildlife Commission will review the comments and take up the proposal during its April meeting, with a decision expected to go into effect later this year.
As the debate continues, local residents and outdoor enthusiasts are weighing the importance of protecting the WMA’s wildlife habitat against the desire for recreational access. With the area’s popularity and its role as a sanctuary for wildlife, finding a balance between conservation and public use will be crucial in shaping the future of the Gallatin WMA.
