Viewpoint: Keeping Montana’s High Divide intact for future generations

Will Clark

As someone born and raised in Flathead County, with roots in Montana stretching back generations, I understand that some places in our state are truly special. My family has lived here long enough to witness land management shift—some changes for the better, others worse—but one thing remains clear: certain ecosystems should be treated with special care and attention. The High Divide is one of those places.

Stretching between Yellowstone and central Idaho, the High Divide is more than just a landscape, it’s a lifeline for Montana’s wildlife and a key migration corridor for elk, pronghorn and sage grouse. This region is home to thriving populations of elk that hunters like my father have depended on for decades. It’s also a place where pronghorn roam the open sagebrush and where species like sage grouse find refuge.

As an avid archery hunter, I take my bow to Southwest Montana each year in search of a bull elk. In the passenger seat is my English setter, helping me drown the mild September afternoons chasing after sage grouse. This annual trip has become a tradition for me. It’s a chance to reset from everyday life and immerse myself in the landscape and wildlife that make Montana special.

We have something unique here, something worth protecting. As pressure mounts from industries like energy production, we face a decision: should we treat the High Divide like any other public land, open to leasing and development? Or should we acknowledge its unique value and protect it from these threats?

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plays a central role in this decision. While energy development has its place, the High Divide is not that place. This is a region that serves as a crucial corridor for migration, not just for the animals that live here today but for species that may need this route in the future. We need to keep these public lands intact, not fragmented by new roads, rigs and industrial infrastructure.

For generations, Montana families have relied on these lands. I’ve seen firsthand how easily things can be thrown out of balance when industrial development takes priority over conservation. The elk and pronghorn herds are doing well now, but ensuring that the High Divide is given special attention would ensure future generations have the opportunity to take their bird dog and bow into the hills.

It’s time for the BLM to take a stand and recognize that not all public lands are created equal. The High Divide is too valuable to be subjected to the same policies as other areas. By prioritizing conservation over extraction, we can preserve the rich biodiversity, healthy wildlife populations and natural beauty that we have been so fortunate to enjoy.

The High Divide is more than just a mosaic of mountain ranges and sagebrush, it’s a testament to the spirit of Montana, and I urge the BLM to protect it.