Helena National Forest

Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Home

Historic Preservation Planning

National Forests across Montana are working to document and protect the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (LCNHT). The Helena National Forest conducted an inventory of the trail in 1999-2001. The study included mapping the trail’s location and recording important heritage sites that lie next to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Efforts to protect the trail include periodic heritage site monitoring to ensure the trail and the sites along it remain in good condition.The forest has produced a detailed historic preservation plan for the LCNHT. The report is available to the public and can be obtained by calling the Helena National Forest.

Part of the trail’s importance is that it was used not only by the famous explorers but by Indian people who traveled this rout efor thousands of years before the journey of Lewis and Clark. While the expedition spent only a brief time here, American Indians called this landscape their home for generations.

USDA Forest Service - Helena National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 17 May 2007 at 12:28:52 EDT