Recreate Responsibly

Play it safe in Western Montana.

Spending time in outdoor spaces is very popular around here, and we sure are grateful for the quality and quantity of outdoor space we have in Western Montana. It’s vital, however, that we all do our part to recreate responsibly, whether playing in local parks, on tribal and public lands and trails, in Montana’s two national parks, and everywhere in between. Here’s how to stay safe and recreate responsibly while enjoying our great outdoors and fresh mountain air.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Adequate trip planning and preparation helps travelers accomplish trip goals safely and enjoyably, while simultaneously minimizing negative impacts to the land. Before you head out, know what’s open and when, know fire restrictions, know about any road closures, know the weather, know where gas stations are and where cell service is spotty, know your skill level and activity limits.

PLAN AHEAD Once you know what your prospects are, plan ahead to stay safe and keep others safe. Adequate legwork ensures safer, more enjoyable travels—especially in the wild and unpredictable outdoors—and minimizes your impact on Montana’s resources and lands.

PLAY IT SAFE Know your physical limitations and always travel with the appropriate provisions. Reducing your risk of injury is of the utmost importance. Our first responders, search and rescue teams and local medical personnel thank you for playing it safe.

EXPLORE MINDFULLY When visiting local parks, trails and public spaces, be aware of your impact, be part of an inclusive outdoors, be mindful of our communities and small businesses, and be good stewards of the land.

PREVENT AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are plants, animals or pathogens that are not native to Montana and can cause harm to our environment and economy. AIS are introduced accidentally or intentionally outside of their native range. Follow Clean.Drain.Dry. principles and watercraft inspections requirements.

LEAVE NO TRACE Please respect all public lands, waterways, tribal lands and local communities by planning ahead and being prepared, traveling and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of human and pet waste properly, leaving what you find, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting wildlife and being considerate of others.

TREAD LIGHTLY By working together as one motorized community, we can keep our trails open, healthy and beautiful for generations to come. Do your part by keeping trails clean and trash free and educating yourself on ways to ride responsibly specific to your motorized activity. TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY WITH YOUR DOG Be a responsible pet owner by making sure you’re not recreating on land where dogs are not permitted. Where they are allowed, please follow posted regulations. Dogs should be properly licensed and up-to-date on vaccines, and, of course, aggressive pets should be left at home. Don’t let your dog chase wildlife. Also, pick up dog waste and dispose of it properly. Please note, dogs are not allowed on most trails in Glacier National Park, so if hiking is on your agenda, we suggest you leave your dog at home or find a boarding kennel in one of the surrounding towns for the day.

BE WILDLIFE WISE Wildlife is just that—wild. It’s important to act responsibly around wildlife, and it’s also vital that, while recreating in the area, we help preserve and enhance wildlife habitat by practicing Leave No Trace principles. View wildlife from a safe distance. Never approach, touch or feed wildlife. Let wildlife know you’re nearby by speaking loudly or calling “hey bear” every so often as to not surprise any wildlife. If hiking in Glacier National Park or any other public lands, be sure to carry bear spray that is readily accessible and know how to use it properly.

KNOW AVALANCHE SAFETY Avalanche safety should always be top of mind when you’re headed back into the deep stuff, whether via ski, snowboard, snowshoe or snowmobile. Proper gear and know-how are everything. Get educated, stay in bounds at ski resorts, and, when in doubt, go with a guide.

FOLLOW FIRE SAFETY Western Montana is susceptible to wildland fire in the dry summer months. Before you head out, know what fire restrictions (and stages) are in place, if any, and follow them accordingly. Attend to and extinguish your campfire properly and completely. Act responsibly in areas where wildland fires are burning. Also, for those who tow boats, RVs and trailers, practice safe towing— dragging chains can throw sparks on roadways.

KNOW COVID SAFETY Stay up-to-date on the latest covid safety and possible restrictions in the area where you are recreating, especially in private businesses and on tribal lands.

Read more about recreating responsibly at RecreateResponsiblyMT.com.