FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS

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PROTECTING WILDNESS IN MISSOURI BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT (MONTANA) 

In January 2001, the Missouri Breaks National Monument was established by Presidential proclamation. This historic area includes high scenic cliffs and bluffs through which the Missouri River flows.

The proclamation, however, did not provide details on issues of management such as motorized recreation, location of visitor and interpretive facilities, and development of existing oil and gas leases within the monument. It is important that the wildness of the area be preserved--protecting biological, geological, and historic values. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is preparing a Resource Management Plan to address these issues and is now accepting public input.

The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs urges the BLM to manage the Missouri Breaks National Monument to preserve the wildness found in the area. It supports a plan that limits dirt bikes, all terrain vehicles, and other motorized vehicles to existing improved roads. Personal motorized watercraft should be prohibited, and other motorized boats should observe "no wake" speeds during the entire year.

Please write (by August 20, 2002) to:

Bureau of Land Management
Lewistown Field Office
P.O. Box 1160
Lewistown, MT 59457