By editor
Phillips County, Northeast Montana
The American Prairie Reserve is an ambitious, privately funded conservation project aiming to create the largest nature reserve in the contiguous United States by stitching together private ranches and public lands. The White Rock Unit, located near the Charles M. Russell NWR, offers a glimpse into what the Great Plains looked like before the plow.
With over two hundred species documented, this vast, open country is a haven for birds that require massive, unfragmented landscapes. The Ferruginous Hawk, the largest soaring hawk in North America, builds its massive stick nests on isolated rock outcrops and the ground itself. Burrowing Owls take up residence in the abandoned burrows of black-tailed prairie dogs, while the Mountain Plover—a shorebird that has forsaken the water for the driest, most heavily grazed flats—runs quietly among the sage.
Visitor Access
The American Prairie Reserve allows public access on its deeded lands, though rules vary by unit. The White Rock Unit is generally open for hiking, wildlife viewing, and dispersed camping. There are no entry fees. Travel is entirely on primitive dirt roads that require four-wheel drive and are impassable when wet. Visitors should check the American Prairie website for current access maps and road conditions before venturing out.