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On the east side of the Crazy Mountains there is limited access to the National Forest.

There is, however, a historic trail that dates back a century or more, running north from the Big Timber Canyon Picnic Area. It is a numbered trail, FS Trail 115, later numbered 136. Trail 115/136 shows on the Forest Service Map of 1925 with its route winding in and out of National Forest land. Later maps also show the trail on the same route.

The District Ranger who manages this area of public land has encouraged the public to use this trail since there has been no abandonment. Concerning this trail, the Forest Supervisor replied to Sen. Daines stating, “The Forest Service maintains that it holds unperfected prescriptive rights on this trail system, as well as up Sweet Grass Creek to the north based on a history of maintenance with public funds and historic and continued public and administrative use.”

The local landowners object to the public’s right to use this historic trail and have posted a sign, “The USFS has no easement to enter this private property.” PLWA believes the evidence indicates otherwise.