Book: Where Roads Will Never Reach

In Bozeman, we’re lucky enough to have millions of acres of public land to recreate on, but that isn’t by accident. In Where the Roads Will Never Reach (Utah University Press, $25), Frederick H. Swanson chronicles the decades-long fight to protect some of the wildest places in southwest Montana, places like the Gallatin Range, the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, and the Absaroka-Beartooth outside of Yellowstone National Park. Swanson’s account is encouraging, and a deep look at this battle couldn’t be timelier, as debate continues to rage around what to do with federally protected land and how to manage some of southwest Montana’s most treasured recreation areas. His book looks at the role of hunters and anglers, as well as ranchers and outfitters, and how their experience on the land has influenced designations and helped protect the lands we love today. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of public-land management in Montana, which should be everyone reading this magazine.