Exciting news from the Department of the Interior: On February 12, 2026, the BLM launched the Materials Access Program, streamlining access to affordable sand, gravel, and stone on public lands. This policy cuts red tape with tiered flat fees for small non-competitive sales (up to 150 tons/year per person/entity) from open RMP lands not just existing pits:

  • Tier 1 (0–50 tons): $400 flat fee.
  • Tier 2 (51–150 tons): $1,500 flat fee.

Plus, the new Community Pits Mapper tool (mobile-friendly) shows pit locations, materials, pricing, and contacts nationwide making it easier to find resources or request new sites.

In Montana, where we have 9 active pits, this expands access dramatically, especially in the southwest with designated pits along the I15 corridor south of Butte.

Current pit prices ($1.70–$6.00/cubic yard) already save 70–85% vs. retail ($6K–$13K for a typical 110–170 ton driveway). The tiered system means shorter hauls, lower costs (~$2,000–$2,500 total), and better support for outfitting operations fixing ranch roads, driveways, or infrastructure without breaking the bank.

MOGA applauds this move for sustaining rural economies and public land use. Check the Mapper at Interior launches materials access program to expand access to public lands for the benefit of the American people | Bureau of Land Management

Contact Butte, Dillon, or Billings BLM field office for more information and pricing at this link; Montana-Dakotas Community Pits | Bureau of Land Management