by George Wuerthner
The Gallatin Range that lies south of Bozeman, Montana is the largest unprotected wildlands in the northern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). The Gallatin Range is highly scenic with glaciated cirques, grassy meadows, and subalpine lakes.
Biologically it is one of the more diverse and important areas in the entire Yellowstone ecosystem. The range is critical habitat for grizzly bear, lynx, wolverine, bighorn sheep, and other rarer mammals. In addition, the lower elevations sustain thousands of wintering elk and an important migration corridor.
Indeed, the Montana Natural Heritage Program lists 18 birds, 8 mammals, 3 fish, 3 amphibians, and 1 reptile as “at risk” or declining in numbers, demonstrating the need to provide the strongest protection possible for this area.
A debate exists among conservation advocates over the best way to protect the rich biological heritage of this landscape.
Wilderness designation is the “Gold Standard” for land protection. By permanently removing designated wilderness from commercial development like logging, mining, and oil and gas, as well as mechanical access, the Wilderness Act is the best strategy for long-term protection of any landscape.
Local grassroots groups are working to have wilderness designation in the Gallatin Range from Yellowstone National Park to I-90 and we are working to have a safe wildlife overpass over the interstate so wildlife can move into the Bangtails and the Bridgers.
Learn more about these groups by visting their respective websites:
– Great Old Broads for Wilderness (www.greatoldbroads.org)
– Montanans for Gallatin Wilderness (www.gallatinwilderness.org)
– Gallatin Wildlife Association (www.gallatinwildlifeassociation.com)