#38 - Setting the Stage for Wilderness Protection in the Gallatin Range w/ Glenn Monahan

Our Public Lands

In this episode, Glenn Monahan of the Gallatin Yellowstone Wilderness Alliance discusses the history of the Gallatin Range land exchanges, focusing on Big Sky's development and the impact on wilderness protection. Initiating with land ownership complexities since 1862, Glenn describes the role of pivotal land exchanges in the 1990s. He highlights the changing dynamics of land use advocacy, now influenced by industry and recreation groups, and criticizes the Gallatin Forest Partnership and their draft legislation that jeopardizes wildlife. Glenn’s presentation underscores the significance of informed decisions for the future preservation of the wild Gallatins and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem as a whole.

01:29 Historical Land Exchanges and Wilderness Protection

02:27 Wildlife Habitat and Migration Corridors

02:58 The Importance of Historical Land Consolidation

03:26 The Gallatin Forest Partnership Controversy

03:46 Personal Experiences in the Gallatins

04:34 The Complex History of Land Ownership

05:59 The Checkerboard Land Pattern and Its Challenges

06:52 The Role of Railroads in Land Distribution

07:35 Land Ownership Changes and Development

11:07 The Big Sky Resort and Environmental Impact

13:24 The Yellowstone Club

15:56 The Grand Bargain and Land Swaps

20:55 Current Threats and the Gallatin Forest Partnership

24:26 Mountain Biking and Wilderness Management

28:38 Proposed Wilderness Protections and Future Vision

20:51 Conclusion and Call to Action

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