Once Inaccessible, Now Public: Major Land Victory

A nonprofit has just secured another large tract of previously inaccessible land — a significant win for public access, conservation, and outdoor heritage.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure an important piece of ecologically and culturally significant land. But this acquisition is equally important as a way to return public access to the people so they can explore, hunt, and recreate on land that’s been off-limits for many years,” said Alison Fox, CEO of American Prairie.

American Prairie has acquired Anchor Ranch and two other properties in central Montana, adding about 67,960 acres and bringing its total habitat base to over 600,000 acres. With the purchase comes the reopening of approximately 35 km (22 miles) of Bullwhacker Road, restoring access to nearly 50,000 acres of public land in the Upper Missouri River Breaks that had been previously blocked off. Ranching families who lease parts of the land will remain, and places for hunting, recreation, and wildlife habitat are now permanently protected. This shows how conservation, when done carefully and inclusively, can unlock land for everyone while still protecting ecology and culture.