Conservation Groups File Corner Crossing Lawsuit
The groups say FWP’s policy is unlawful and have asked a court to settle the dispute after repeated talks failed.
- On Thursday, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Public Land & Water Access Association filed a lawsuit against Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Lewis and Clark District Court seeking to "cement the legality" of corner crossing.
- The legal filing follows a Wednesday presentation where Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras defended the state's trespassing stance, contrasting with a 2025 federal ruling finding corner crossing lawful in Wyoming.
- Approximately 871,000 acres of public land in Montana are "corner locked," while FWP manages 70 agreements opening 530,000 acres through incentives up to $15,000, though critics say these programs fail to resolve widespread barriers.
- Stakeholders remain divided, with the Montana Stockgrowers Association emphasizing property rights while PLWA seeks "middle ground," prompting lawmakers to weigh potential 2027 legislation clarifying access laws.
- Because Montana falls under the Ninth Circuit, the 10th Circuit's Wyoming precedent does not automatically apply, leaving corner crossing's legal status unresolved without further court intervention or state legislation.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Montana conservation groups sue state wildlife agency over corner crossing memo
Montana Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Public Land Waters Access Association are asking the court to declare Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ interpretation that corner crossing is unlawful is itself illegal.
Public land access groups file lawsuit challenging Montana FWP position on corner crossing
Elk Mountain, Wyoming, featured prominently in a lawsuit that has changed the conversation surrounding corner crossing. Credit: David Craig / Flickr Two public land access groups filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ position that corner crossing is “unlawful” in Montana. This story also appeared in Mountain Journal The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Public Land …
Lawsuit seeks to 'cement legality' of corner crossing in Montana
A group of conservation advocacy organizations are suing the State of Montana to cement the legality of corner crossing in Montana.On Thursday, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Public Land and Water Access Association filed a lawsuit against Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Lewis and Clark County District Court.The legal action comes one day after Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras, a Republican, addressed the Montana Environmental Quality Council…
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Conservation organizations file lawsuit to determine legality of corner crossing in Montana
On Thursday, two conservation organizations filed a lawsuit in Lewis and Clark District Court seeking to “cement the legality” of corner crossing in Montana while respecting private property rights. “It doesn’t matter what side of the barbed wire, or political…
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