The Custer Gallatin National Forest has released a scoping proposal for a new trail in the west Crazy Mountains and is seeking public comment by March 31, 2018.  The proposed Porcupine Ibex Trail would connect the Porcupine and Ibex Trailheads and the two recreation rental cabins, and involves constructing approximately 8 miles of new non-motorized trail.

Though the historic Porcupine Lowline Trail (FS Trail #267) has been on Forest Service maps for decades, it crosses private property where no recorded easement exists.  In recent years, the public’s right of access along Trail #267 has been in dispute.  The new Porcupine Ibex Trail would provide quality recreation opportunities to this portion of the Crazy Mountain Range and address long term public interests by securing recorded easements for the portions of the new trail on private land.  The majority of the trail would be relocated onto public land.  Once the new trail is built and the easements are recorded, the Forest Service would relinquish interest in the old Porcupine Lowline Trail.

“This proposal creates an opportunity for a positive solution that respects landowner interests while providing a high quality trail opportunity and access to National Forest System lands,” said Mary Erickson, Custer Gallatin Forest Supervisor.  “Through conversations and negotiations with landowners, access advocates, and recreationists this alternative route has been identified.”

The scoping document is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53388 or by contacting the Custer Gallatin National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 10 East Babcock, Bozeman, MT 59715.  Written comments must be submitted via mail, fax, or in person (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding holidays) to: Mary Erickson, Forest Supervisor, ATTN: Chad Benson, P.O. Box 130, Bozeman, MT 59771.  Electronic comments including attachments can be submitted to: https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?project=53388.