Protect Public Land access

State Trust Lands

10% of House District 29’s land is public, the majority of which are State Trust lands. Amidst a nationwide conversation about public lands, the Montana Land Board recently changed its procedure for state land swaps.

This raised a red flag for me, and while I don’t know how this will affect my district’s public lands, I am aware of the change and will work to protect access.

Corner-Crossing

Because of the checkerboard way that land was divided when the railroads were built, there are roughly 871,000 acres of corner-locked public land in Montana. While the FWP director has recently said that “corner-crossing,” or cutting across a corner of private land to access public land, is “unlawful,” there’s no state law or case law directly addressing corner crossing in Montana.

Meanwhile, 59% of Montanans think corner crossing should be legal, while just 7% think it should be illegal.

During the 2027 legislative session, State Senator Ellie Boldman and State Rep. Josh Seckinger intend to introduce legislation to legalize corner crossing. I would support this bill.

Montana State Trust Lands Public Access Map from the DNRC

“Understanding Trust Lands,” DNRC

“Montana Land Board changes procedure for state land swaps.” KPAX. May 25, 2026

“FWP director reiterates corner crossing is unlawful in Montana,” Daily Montanan. March 31, 2026

“Poll: Majority of Montanans favor legalized corner-crossing,” Montana Free Press. March 5, 2026

“Corner crossing in Montana explained,” KTVH. November 11, 2025