Know Your Public Lands supports the workforce that supports the places we love, from park rangers and forest techs to trail crews and agency staff. Through storytelling, advocacy and community engagement, we’re here to connect the dots between the outdoor places we cherish and the people who care for them—and to rally the support they need to keep Montana open, accessible and thriving.
Connecting
the dots.
Know Your Public Lands
Public Lands Management: The Work that Holds it All Together
Montana’s public lands are stitched together by a patchwork of agencies, organizations and people. Their work often goes unseen—but without it, trails fade, campgrounds close, wildlife habitats deteriorate and invasive species spread unchecked. These dedicated crews manage trailheads, maintain safe access to rivers and peaks, monitor wildlife health, prevent and fight wildfires, support research and restoration efforts, and protect the ecosystems that make these places special. But ongoing pressure on funding and staffing stalls key work, leaving fewer crews to carry the load—and risking the long-term health of these treasured places.
Stewardship: It’s a Montana Thing
Caring for this place starts with a strong, supported workforce, but it’s woven into the fabric of who we are as Montanans. For generations, we’ve depended on the land—for work, for play and for a way of life that’s deeply connected to place. Be it ranchers, outfitters, teachers or business owners, we all share a stake in the vitality of Montana’s outdoors. When communities step up—whether by helping with a local trail cleanup, advocating for public lands or simply recreating responsibly—they’re not replacing the essential work of land stewards , they’re standing alongside them. We’re here to shine a light on both: the folks who care for the land professionally, and the Montanans who show up for the places that shape us.
Responsible Recreation: This Place Depends on Us
With limited crews and fewer boots on the ground, Montana’s public lands need more than admiration—they need cooperation. Folks like you play a bigger role than ever in protecting these spaces. That means planning ahead, packing it out, sharing the trail and being patient when things aren’t perfect. When we recreate responsibly, we lighten the load for those working hard behind the scenes—and we help keep Montana open and beautiful for all.
