Grizzly Drive in Dogtown Rerouted

The new intersection (right middle) of Grizzly Drive and Riverview Drive in Seeley Lake. The old access (left middle - now rehabbed) was bisecting private property. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) negotiated with owner Kevin Wetherell to gain legal access to the state lease lots on Grizzly Drive. DNRC Clearwater Unit Manager Kristen Baker-Dickinson said Wetherell was paid fair market value including the road construction costs for the easement. They are in the final stages of negotiations. "[The new road] more closely mirrors the property boundary," said Baker-Dickinson. "This is a really positive step towards securing access and addressing some of the access issues in the area." Baker-Dickinson said gaining legal access to the lease properties was the first step. Now DNRC can focus on resolving the road maintenance questions with Missoula County. She said DNRC is meeting with the county regularly.