The Bureau of Land Management is working on plans to stabilize Pompeys Pillar National Monument.
Montana weather is crumbling the historic landmark along the Yellowstone River near Billings.
Simply put, the sandstone formation bearing William Clark's name that he carved on July 25, 1806, is falling apart, says Dave LaFevre, Billings Field Manager for the BLM.
"The wind, rain and other weather has taken its toll on the rock out there, and is threatening the historic resources as well as making a public safety issue for people to visit," he said.
BLM has an environmental assessment addressing how to stabilize the rock formation, prevent further erosion and keep the area safe for public visitation while maintaining the character of the visual proof of William Clark’s presence in Montana. Pompeys Pillar is one of the sites along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
The public has until Tuesday, Feb. 15, to comment on the assessment and the plan for stabilization. LaFevere says BLM would like to finalize the plan by the end of February, with hopes of starting work this summer and finishing before fall.
