New pallet ban in effect across Bozeman Ranger District, including Hyalite Canyon

By Mira Brody

Pallets are banned in the Bozeman Ranger District beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

As of Jan 1, a new special order is in effect banning the possession of pallets on Custer Gallatin National Forest lands within the Bozeman Ranger District. For years, Friends of Hyalite and the Custer Gallatin National Forest has battled pallet debris left behind from revelers looking for cheap and attainable firewood. While we’re not against some bonfire fun after a long day of recreating in the canyon, pallets pollute our water system, the surrounding soil with toxic chemicals, and leave behind hundreds of nails. These nails puncture car tires to the point where plow drivers will no longer plow a parking lot with pallet debris in them.

Pallet remains during clean up days. Many hours are spent removing nails from parking lots. There are an average of 200 nails in a single pallet.

This ban makes it unlawful to possess or store any material containing nails, screws or other metal hardware, including wood pallets and construction debris, that could be used as firewood. The pallet ban is an important step in protecting the district's natural resources, developed infrastructure and ensuring the safety of the public.

The pallet ban extends across the entire Bozeman Ranger District including Hyalite, as well as other problem areas like Johnson Canyon, Truman Gulch, Battle Ridge and Fairy Lake.

Pallet chemicals and debris pollute surrounding soil and Bozeman’s primary water source.

A violation of the pallet ban is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

Friends of Hyalite supports this pallet ban. We’ve spent countless hours on clean up days and otherwise, shoveling the remains of pallet fires and trying to educate visitors of the canyon about the adverse effects of burning pallets. You can support us and Hyalite Canyon by being a good steward, spreading the word about the ban as well as proper campfire etiquette.