Public Land Water Access Association

Access Investigations: Legal and technical research of access issues submitted by the recreating public in Montana. PLWA staff gather and analyze evidence to determine if contested public roads and other access points are indeed public. This often involves parsing through legal records and historic maps and documents in county courthouses. In complex cases, PLWA will also seek legal services for assistance.

Policy and Advocacy: PLWA advocates for statewide policies and laws that promote public access to Montana's lands, waters and public trust resources. Activities include authoring letters of support and comment letters, participating or spearheading advocacy campaigns and tracking legislation during the session. PLWA also tracks and analyzes land exchanges and acquisitions that may impact access to Montana's public lands and waters.

Education and Outreach: Education and outreach with the general public on their access rights and rules, regulations and laws in Montana related to accessing Montana's public lands and waters. Activities include quarterly newsletters, publishing access related information on the PLWA's website and general social media outreach. PLWA staff and board also organize in person outreach events with partners across Montana that include access education as a primary component.