Big Sky Times

Montana residents who need a break from the walls of their homes still can visit state and public lands for recreation, but don't show up with a group.

While you can still visit public lands, amenities at many of them have been closed, Montana Public Radio said. If you keep proper social distancing, go and enjoy yourself. Public health officials recommend exercise during this pandemic if you follow those rules.

Gov. Steve Bullock’s order to close the doors to all non-essential businesses went into effect Saturday, the Billings Gazette reported. Residents can work at home or make trips for essential services such as grocery shopping, health care, gas stations and banks. Residents can pick up to-go orders from restaurants and provide care for others.

Check whether the park or forest you plan to visit remains open. You won't get to visit Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, as that park is closed. | Image by skeeze from Pixabay

Tourism helps Gallatin County rank as one of the fastest-growing in the county. It also gets the blame for a higher number of COVID-19 cases. County health officer Matt Kelley said to the Billings Gazette that while tourists boost the economy, their travel added to the number of cases.

"Gallatin County is a crossroads and a destination," Kelley said. "We're home to a diverse economy, a growing university. We have natural beauty and attractions.”

He said these factors help create the character of the community.

“And while some of those factors are probably also contributing to the number of cases we have, I think it's also important that we also we recognize that those factors provide enormous sources of talent and energy and community assets to help us respond collectively to this challenge," he said.

National forest officials in Montana shut down developed recreation sites. Campgrounds, day-use sites, lookouts, forest outhouse and toilets were all closed to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Rental cabins are closed and unavailable for rent. To those who have booked a cabin, the Forest Service plans to send out notifications and make refunds.

Still open were forest trails, trailheads and dispersed camping sites. If you plan a visit to a forest, check its individual website for updates and specific details. To find details for a specific U.S. forest or grassland in Montana or any state, use the search function on the U.S. Forest Service’s coronavirus updates page.

Montana state parks, wildlife management areas and fishing access sites are open only for day use. The Fish, Wildlife and Parks agency forbids overnight camping. All park activities and events have been canceled.

Don’t bring a group to Montana’s recreation sites. The agency also closed group use sites. That includes visitor centers and playgrounds at least through April 10. Limited use of bathroom facilities will be available. Enforcement staff will patrol these sites.

Search and rescue operations, along with law enforcement, may be limited due to COVID-19 concerns, Montana Public Radio said. A search party by necessity involves a group of people. Officials look to visitors to limit themselves from other activities also. They also discourage high-risk activities such as rock climbing at the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest.

Glacier National Park has been closed to all visitors, with no reopening date set.

The upcoming spring turkey and bear seasons will open on schedule. Hunters must practice social distancing. The deadline to apply for deer and elk licenses was April 1. Licensing online or through any licensed provider that remains open is available. Hunters applying for special licenses or permits need a valid email address.

As of 4:30 p.m. on March 31, the Montana Department of Public Health reported 198 positive cases of COVID-19 and 5 deaths. The total number of tests for the coronavirus reached 4,558, with 147 of those completed on March 31. State officials reported 15 people hospitalized. That number includes people admitted as patients before testing for the virus.