Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Adds 396 Acres in Tobacco Root Mountains
Public Affairs: Joel Hathaway
(406) 499-5071
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Adds 396 Acres in Tobacco Root Mountains
Dillon, MT, December 9, 2024—The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has completed the acquisition of 396 acres on the northwest end of the Tobacco Root Mountains.
The Point of Rocks acquisition was made possible by a landowner wishing to conserve the land for the enjoyment of the public. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation partnered with the Forest Service on this project and was instrumental in facilitating the acquisition with the landowner. Funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund was used to acquire the property.
“Opening and securing quality public access is a core value of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Forest Service, which made this a natural partnership. The work they do to conserve and protect elk habitat and hunting opportunities is a benefit to all Americans,” said Tim Lahey, Butte District Ranger.
The newly acquired land adjoins the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest to the east and Bureau of Land Management property to the south. From Point of Rocks Road, this acquisition will provide critical access to an additional 2,757 acres of National Forest System land and 338 acres of Bureau of Land Management land. The Point of Rocks acquisition will provide additional dispersed recreation, primarily hunting, off-trail hiking, and backpacking opportunities.
“I am so happy the public will be able to enjoy this land and the additional access it provides to the iconic Tobacco Root Mountains. I would like to thank Paul Hunt for selling his property to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Without his vision this would not have been possible,” said Lahey.
In addition to providing access, an important benefit of this acquisition is conserving wildlife habitat. The property acquired contains a mixture of rangeland—dominated by native grasses—and mountainous terrain, providing year-round habitat for pronghorn and winter range for elk, mule deer, and moose. The Tobacco Roots are also an important ecological corridor for both grizzly bears and Canada lynx.
For more information about the Point of Rocks acquisition, please contact the Butte Ranger District at (406) 494-2147.
