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.