Authorizing next steps for Securing Permanent and Identifiable Access on the East Side of the Crazy Mountains
Photo: U.S. Forest Service Photo of Crazy Mountains
Bozeman, MT –The Custer Gallatin National Forest has completed the environmental analysis associated with the East Crazy Inspiration Divide Land Exchange Project and released the final decision. The final decision selects Alternative 1, authorizing the conveyance of 3,855 acres of federal land for 6,110 acres of private property in the East Crazy Mountains and Madison Mountains – Inspiration Divide area.
“This decision reflects decades of work of everyone involved and is the next step in the process of securing permanent public access and preserving ecological integrity in the Crazy Mountains,” said Matt Jedra, Custer Gallatin Forest Supervisor. Since arriving on the Forest in August 2024, Jedra has focused on understanding community concerns, environmental analysis, and the history of land access in the Crazy Mountains.
The Decision:
- Protects the area from development and addresses long term public benefits,
- Enhances habitat protection and improves recreation opportunities,
- Acquires the Smeller Lake Parcel,
- Responds to public input and represents a cooperative solution,
- Balances public and private interests; and
- Protects lands leaving public ownership.
Changes from the draft decision, published in October 2023, to the final decision respond directly to public comment. The Forest Service negotiated additional protections, including mandatory provisions for lands leaving federal ownership, patent reservations for wetlands and cultural sites, conservation easements, protective covenants, and rights of first refusal in the event of a future land sale.
Based on this decision, the Forest will continue working through the land exchange process including title review, inspections, and the eventual exchange of deeds. This is expected to be complete in fall 2025.
The final decision and additional information can be found here or contact Anna Ball, Lands and Realty Specialist at anna.ball@usda.gov.
