The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has announced temporary access restrictions on East Fork Blacktail Road in the Blacktail Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
DILLON, Mont. — Beginning Aug. 3 and continuing through Aug. 7, 2026, construction crews contracted by DNRC will conduct bridge installation and maintenance work on East Fork Blacktail Road in the Blacktail WMA. Motorized vehicle access will be restricted when construction is taking place.
The 2025 Legislature provided key funding to replace one of two bridges that provide safe public access to thousands of acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) and DNRC state trust lands in the Blacktail WMA and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in Beaverhead County.
Crews will replace an access bridge on East Fork Blacktail Road, temporarily limiting access to the BLM East Fork Blacktail Campground. Heavy equipment will be active in the area and access to the campground will be restricted. Some segments of the roads will not be passable during bridge removal and installation.
“The bridge replacement is part of our ongoing commitment to provide public access and recreational opportunities for Montanans,” said DNRC Dillon Unit Manager Cody Nelson. “This brief travel interruption now helps keep recreationists who enjoy the Blacktail WMA safe, and we appreciate the public’s understanding as we complete this important work.”
Crews will place signs at key locations to guide visitors and prevent entry into restricted areas during active work. Temporary road closures during construction will enhance safety for both the recreating public and the contractor. Visitors are urged to watch for posted notices and avoid entering areas where access is temporarily unavailable.
Visitors can find alternate BLM camping opportunities in southwestern Montana during the temporary road closure by exploring Recreation.gov.
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State of Montana Newsroom
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