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The Pryor Mountains are a treasure for people in surrounding communities including Billings, but it is a small and vulnerable area. For most people the attraction of the Pryors includes the many unique ecosystems including an abundance of wild flowers, birds, other wildlife and plant species, some of which grow nowhere else. We need to care for the land and protect these natural resources first -- then we must manage both motorized and non-motorized recreation within limits the land can tolerate. Everyone has the right to enjoy these public lands, but no one has the right to abuse the landscape or damage the experience of others. We propose many miles of roads for access to spectacular landscapes and viewpoints. We also propose reserved quiet areas where the many people who want to can escape from the noisy rush of the city and daily life to the quiet hush of the natural landscape. This balanced approach provides a broad range of recreational opportunities to enhance the quality of life for the diverse people of Billings and Montana. This diversity of recreational opportunity can also be a great economic asset to the area, attracting both tourists and job seekers. We want to leave the Pryors undamaged as a legacy for those who follow us. |