But 58-Mile Trail Is Strewn With Red Tape : Montanans Plan Massive Cattle Drive

Organizers hoping to drive 10,000 cattle across south-central Montana in a celebration of the state’s centennial are facing problems cowboys of 100 years ago could not have imagined.

For one thing, in 1889, no one had to worry about a water quality permit. For another, this is an unusually large herd.

The organizers say they are undeterred, however, by environmental questions or cattlemen’s doubts about whether the herd will balk if driven toward a river crossing at midday.

The problems will be overcome, they say, and the six-day drive will come off Sept. 4 through 9, as one of a yearlong series of events marking the 100th anniversary of Montana’s admission to the Union on Nov. 8, 1889.

Interest in the cattle drive spans several continents, according to Jim Wempner, a rancher in the Billings area who is directing it, but so far, only 700 people have indicated they will participate.

Perhaps 5,000 Cowboys

Wempner did not know just how many cattle will be moved, but said each participant must consign at least one animal to the drive. He said he expects the operation to involve 200 wagons and about 5,000 cowboys, including 100 experienced trail hands.

“It’s going to happen,” Wempner said, although a state review of the potential environmental impact may result in obstacles to be overcome.

“We do the same thing for 2,000 cattle as we would with 10,000 cattle,” he said. “There’s not that much of a difference. This is just a larger number.”

The organizers say it will be one of the largest cattle drives in history, but state officials have questioned whether the sponsors will be able to overcome problems such as disposing of wastes from both people and livestock along the 58-mile route between Roundup and Billings.

Outgoing Lt. Gov. Gordon McOmber, chairman of the state Centennial Commission, said that experienced cattlemen also have criticized the plan.

Cow Psychology Noted

He said that, for example, the animals might refuse to cross a river during the heat of the day if the angle of the sun makes it impossible for them to see the bottom.

“Those things are long forgotten in this day and age,” McOmber said.

The drive’s organizers need permits and water quality variances for the cattle to cross rivers and streams. They also may need air quality variances if the cattle are moved on dusty dirt roads, officials said.

People from across the United States and two Australians have applied to take part in the drive, Wempner said. He added that film makers from West Germany, France and Switzerland have shown interest in recording the action.

Wempner estimated it will cost about $500,000 to stage the drive.