TREASURE IT

Recreate responsibly in Western Montana.

While spending time in the great outdoors, it’s vital 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.

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 and 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 inspection requirements.

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.

Be Wildlife Wise

It’s important to act responsibly around wildlife, and it’s also vital that 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 them. When hiking in grizzly country, be sure to carry bear spray and know how to use it properly.

Travel Respectfully On Tribal Lands

Always know when you are on tribal lands—this is not public land, and there are sacred places we must not disturb. Be mindful and respectful of a tribe’s unique culture, history and traditions. Make sure you “know before you go” in terms of tribal policies and you secure tribal conservation permits before recreating on tribal land.

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.

Know Avalanche Safety

Avalanche safety should always be top of mind when you’re headed 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.

Play It Safe Around Water

Know how to swim and wear a personal flotation device while boating, floating and paddling. Ensure your chosen activity matches your skill level. Always bring the appropriate gear. Note that Montana waters can be cold year-round. Also, drink alcohol responsibly while recreating in and on the water.

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. Dogs are not permitted on trails, in the backcountry or in any building in Glacier National Park, so please leave your dog at home or find a boarding kennel in one of the park’s surrounding towns.

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