FAQs

There are 10 cows in my driveway. Where did they come from and what can I do to make them go away?

GMPOA properties are legally designated as “open range.” The GMPOA has a grazing lease with the local Mannix and Henault cattle companies. Several hundred cow-calf pairs are turned into our 9000+ acres from mid-summer to early fall each year. Usually hazing the stock by slowly approaching them will move them along. However, specific conditions of good forage, water, and shade may make them return. Montana is a “fence out” state, meaning the responsibility to prevent grazing on your parcel lies with you erecting a fence to keep the stock off. Mannix Brothers will consult in problem situations and count on owners to contact them in cases of injured, sick, or dead stock. Contact Dave Mannix at mannixbros@blackfoot.net or 406-793-5601.

Can I allow my horses, llamas, goats, and other livestock to use “free range” on GMPOA properties just as the cattle do?

 No. “Open range” applies only to cattle and sheep under Montana law. In addition, Mannix Brothers Ranch LLC has leased the right for their cattle to range freely on GMPOA properties. Any other livestock must be fenced.

How are the roads maintained?

 Powell County does not currently maintain any of the roads within the GMPOA boundaries. The majority of the income generated by the grazing lease goes toward maintaining a small number of roads, including the Hoover Creek Road which runs roughly 25 miles from Hwy 271 near Helmville to the Jens exit on I-90 through much of GMPOA land. The roadwork involves spreading road base, repairing water damage, and grading. The GMPOA contracts each summer for labor and equipment for specific projects. Property owners/volunteers also help maintain and repair roads which, due to our limited income, is greatly appreciated.

Can I drive to my property year round?

Weather will dictate access during any time of year, but during the winter season there is no established snow removal. Under usual winter conditions, travel is by snow machine and even then not for certain.

Can I put a gate across my road?

You can fence your property but only gate your “private driveway,” not an easement road. Be aware that you drive through many easements to get to your own property. You must allow established access to adjoining parcels.

What is an easement road?

Easement roads are those roads allowing legal access to all properties. They occupy a 40-foot path through private property. When the GMPOA was established 40 years ago, all existing logging roads were designated legal easement roads. Identifying some of these roads can be difficult today.

What volunteer opportunities are available?

The Board is always looking for volunteers to help with road maintenance, weed control, fire suppression, and the other tasks it undertakes to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural qualities of properties within the GMPOA boundaries. We urge property owners to do what you can to make our area better. That can mean the small acts of sawing a downed tree across the road or picking up trash in the ditch, but also might be contacting a board member to fix a problem stretch of easement road or fight a new weed infestation. Feel free to contact a Board member any time you have suggestions, problems, or concerns with which we can help. You can contact Board president George Tague at geotague@gmail.com or 303-717-2446.

Why doesn’t my cell phone work?

There is no hard-wire phone service or pay phones. Cellular coverage is spotty and unpredictable at best, so don’t count on phone GPS for navigation or emergency help. Some residents utilize antennas and booster amplifiers to make cell service more predictable.

How long will it take to get emergency assistance to my property?

Best case scenario for the Sheriff, EMT, or Fire Departments is 45 to 90 minutes, so plan accordingly. Knowing your GPS and your specific street address is very helpful in an emergency. See further information under “Resources>Resources and GMPOA Partners.”

Where is the GMPOA fire wagon and how do I use it in case of fire?

During fire season, GMPOA maintains a fire wagon parked on Hoover Creek Road that can be rushed to any fire incident. It is located about 10 miles from Hwy 271 and about 15 miles from the Jens exit on I-90, at about the midpoint between GMPOA boundaries. You will need a 2-inch hitch to pull the wagon. After using the pump and tank, always refill the pump with gas and the tank with water and put the wagon back in its original location.

 What do I do about trash?

Powell County maintains landfill dumps at several sites. Please follow posted regulations. Open burning permits are available during some times of year for slash piles, but extreme caution is required with all fires as wind conditions change rapidly and help is far away.

How do I get water for my property?

This is a major issue often overlooked by new property owners. Each situation is unique. However, wells, developed springs, and cisterns can all play a part, but nothing is guaranteed, so plan accordingly.

Something is eating my chickens. Who can help me protect them?

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (http://fwp.mt.gov/) will consult on predators, but good enclosures are the first option.  Be aware of your surroundings and local wildlife.

How often will I meet a logging truck on the road?

Logging has been a big part of the local history and continues today from small parcel thinning to Montana state timber auctions.  Loggers may be hauling on many of our roads any time of year, so be advised that a Peterbuilt may be just around the next bend.

What about hunting access?

Most of the area is privately owned. Hunting in the GMPOA requires permission from the specific landowners as well as the Montana FWP rules, regulations, tags, and areas. The GMPOA is bordered by Montana state and BLM land as well as private large ranches.

I don’t want herbicide sprayed on my property. What can I do to prevent that?

 GMPOA spot-sprays road easements to kill invasive weeds, but also digs weeds and uses biocontrol through insects. You can request that your property not be sprayed by contacting any Board member. However, Montana law requires property owners to control invasive weeds on their property.