Defending Section 22: Three Ways to Take Action

 

We know the true value of Park County lands because we’re out in it every day—hunting, recreating, and working on and with it. We are facing a series of state-level decisions that will determine the future of Section 22 and other state lands. From our waterways to our public lands, there is too much at stake for us to be cut out of the process. There are plenty of places to mine gravel in Park County, but our open, public lands are finite and irreplaceable. It is more important now than ever to have a seat at the decision-making table.

Here are the three specific actions you can take right now to help us protect Section 22 and the future of Montana state lands.

 

#1 Please submit a public comment to the DEQ regarding the proposed changes to the Dryland Mining Lease and the Programmatic Environmental Assessment.

The Montana DEQ recently proposed a plan that would change how dryland mines are permitted across the state. This proposal moves away from individual site analysis in favor of a Programmatic Environmental Assessment—essentially a one-size-fits-all checklist for mines under 50 acres. 

This moves away from the current requirement that the state must evaluate the specific impacts of every mine location before a permit is issued. Right now, the DEQ has to look at the geography, specific water sources, and unique wildlife of a site like Section 22. As a community surrounded by critical wildlife habitat, already stressed by development and climate pressure, we cannot afford the risk associated with an expedited process that replaces the site-specific local insights needed to make these decisions on public lands. 

The public comment period is open NOW. We need to tell the state that dryland mining should not come at the cost of our community, without any understanding of what that true cost even is. This proposal trades thorough scientific and local insight for a faster permitting process, making it harder for our community to ensure our specific concerns about dust, water, wildlife, and traffic safety are actually addressed. You can read the DEQ Proposed Plan here.

Comment Period Closes March 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM

  • Email: DEQOpencut@mt.gov (Include Programmatic EA in the subject)

  • Written: Opencut Section, DEQ, P.O. Box 200901, Helena, MT 59620

 

#2  You can also submit a public comment directly to the DNRC Land Board and sign PCEC’s local petition.

Tell the Land Board and DNRC directly that Section 22 is too precious to be turned into a gravel pit. Let them know there are plenty of places to mine gravel in Park County, our open, public lands are finite and irreplaceable. Our community chooses to prioritize our grasslands over industrial pits, and we deserve a seat at the table when the future of our land is decided.

Public Comments Are Open

 

#3  We encourage you to take the DNRC Recreational Use Survey to help inform the future of recreation on our local state lands.

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has launched a public survey to gather input on recreation rules for state trust lands.

While these are primarily working lands managed for revenue (supporting schools through lease fees), they also support vital riparian corridors and ecosystems. We must demonstrate that Montanans value these lands for more than just extraction. Help us show the DNRC that recreational use—like that on Section 22—is a priority. 

Survey Deadline March 31, 2026 

Are you looking for ways to engage in-person? Join PCEC and your neighbors at the PCEC office to ask questions, learn from each other, draft an impactful comment for DEQ and the DNRC, and to be in community. Bring your laptop if you would like assistance writing or submitting your comment or please let us know if you need access to one.

In-Person Public Comment Learning Session

When: Thursday, March 19th | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Where: PCEC Office, Lincoln School, Room #305

RSVP: Email bethany@pcecmt.org (me) to let us know you’re coming!

Thank you for all you do to support our local public lands; showing up, learning, sharing, contributing, and even writing those pesky yet important public comments! I hope to see you soon.

 
Melynda Harrison