Inventorying and interpreting the storied landscapes of America’s historic trails

Montana National Trail Inventory for Nez Perce and Lewis and Clark Trails

Logan Simpson supported the Bureau of Land Management in completing an Inventory, Assessment, and Monitoring (IAM) report for segments of theLewis and Clark National Historic Trail and Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail in the BLM Montana–Dakotas Billings Field Office. The project focused on the Sundance Lodge and Four Dances Recreation Areas and evaluated the historic, scenic, natural, and recreational qualities that define the trail experience. The team conducted landscape analysis, scenic quality assessments, and resource inventories to establish baseline conditions for trail management. The project also developed an interpretive plan, monitoring framework, and management recommendations to guide future stewardship, interpretation, and decision-making while protecting the cultural and landscape values of these nationally significant historic routes. The Interpretive Brief engaged Crow Nation and Nez Perce Tribal Storykeepers and Storytellers in identifying and sharing the missing cultural perspectives and voices of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail at BLM Recreation Areas.

Services Provided

Biological Monitoring, Biology - General, Class I Records Check, Class III Survey, Cultural - General, Cultural Monitoring, GIS, Historic Interpretation, Historic Property Documentation, Visual - Analysis

Location

Montana

Highlights

Inventory and assessment of nationally significant historic trail landscapes
Interpretation of diverse trail experiences
Monitoring framework to track trail conditions and landscape change over time
Scenic quality analysis of the Yellowstone River and surrounding grassland plateaus

Highlighted Award

Additional Awards

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