Alexander Road to State Land Section 6 Summary

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN PLWA AND THE BILLINGS ROD AND GUN CLUB SEES PUBLIC ACCESS SUCCESS

Alexander Road leading to State Land Section 6, just north of Billings, was closed at the request of landowners in 1988. PLWA took the lead and with cooperation from the Billings Rod and Gun Club in 2006, prevailed with the Yellowstone County Commissioners to have the road be reopened to the corner of the state section in 2007.

On November 28, 2006, the recreationists submitted a petition to reopen a portion of a county road that had been closed since 1988. A letter was brought before the Commissioners by several outdoor groups so that theses outdoor groups could have access to State land. Management concerns were expressed. It was decided for the “DNRC to take the lead and meet with Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the outdoor groups and the landowners to put in place a workable management plan that all parties can agree to.”

At the Jan. 30th Commission meeting Mr. John Gibson, representative for a number of organizations addressed the commission with a management plan to address objections to opening Alexander Road to State Land Section 6. “Mr. Gibson stated that he has brought with him a management plan that outlines 4 major issues that need to be addressed before the portion of Alexander Road should be opened. The first issue is parking associated with public use. The proposed solution is that a new wire gate that would provide access to the state section and a fenced parking area would be developed immediately inside the new gate. No vehicular access would be allowed on the state land located here. The Billings Rod and Gun Club would provide the necessary materials and labor for the parking area. The second issue is litter. The proposed solution is that local citizens and organizations would provide regular litter pickup along the road and at the entrance to state section 6. The third issue is illegal activities may increase in the area if an additional ¾ mile of road is re-opened. The proposed solution is to have existing law enforcement patrol the area. The fourth issue is high-powered weapons could pose a safety hazard to both local as well as Billings residents. The proposed solution is to impose local weapons restrictions.”

During the April 10th Commission meeting, “Resolution 07-19 to reopen a portion of Alexander Road. Mr. Bob Moats, Director of the Public Works Department noted that at the last Public Hearing he was directed to meet with the property owners regarding how far to open Alexander Road. Mr. Moats also noted that if the Board decides to open the road he would like until September 1st, 2007 to get the needed road work done.   Commissioner Reno continued the Public Hearing. Mr. Jeff Bollman, DNRC Southern Land Office stated that at last weeks Public Hearing he had passed out a site plan for the proposed parking lot. Mr. Bollman noted that the FWP has agreed to be the holder of the land use license and that the Rod & Gun Club has volunteered the materials and labor for the installation of the parking lot.

1st, 2007 or sooner if Public Works can get the road work done sooner Commissioner Kennedy seconded. Commissioner Kennedy asked counsel if this portion of Alexander Road could be conditionally opened.

Mr. Dan Schwarz, Chief Deputy Attorney stated that yes it could and these would be the conditions. 1. Road must be improved to a safe state. 2. FWP must obtain a license from DNRC and the parking lot would be completed and approved. 3. The appropriate signage would need to be installed. 4. Gate relocation must be accomplished prior to the road being opened. All conditions must be completed and approved by the Public Works Department prior to the road being reopened.   Commissioner Ostlund made a MOTION to amend his previous motion and add the aforementioned conditions, Commissioner Kennedy seconded. Passed Unanimous. The motion as amended. Passed Unanimous.”

Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007, the Yellowstone County Commissioners granted Final Approval of Resolution 07-19 to Reopen a Portion of Alexander Road.

FWP working with Montana DNRC and PLWA volunteers have opened a parking lot at the corner of the state section. This now opens 640 acres of state land for hunting, hiking, and wildlife watching neat the state’s largest urban area.