The Land Access Initiative (LAI) has one mission: improving access to public lands and waters. We at MeatEater believe that a lack of access is the number one reason for a lack of understanding of the natural world—where our food, clean air, and clean water come from. Through strategic funding, we aim to help unlock gated roads, secure easements, build boat ramps, and create new entry points to these wild places. No project is too big or too small, as long as it provides more.
This work is made possible through our partnership with onX and the support of donors like you. Your dollars go directly toward real-world solutions that open up more ground for everyone. If you know of a place that needs better access, let us know. And if you want to help expand hunting and fishing opportunities, consider making a donation.
The MeatEater Land Access Initiative (LAI) is back for 2025, and we're officially open for business! We're looking for your land access projects, big or small, that will help open up more hunting and fishing opportunities for everyone. If it means more public access, MeatEater is interested. Click here to learn about the types of projects we're looking for and how to submit a project.
Click into our recent projects below to see how your donations to the Land Access Initiative can make an impact on opening up more access to hunting and fishing.
Wyoming Corner Crossing Case
Ironbar Holdings v. The Four Hunters is the defining access case of our time. Federal rulings have brought clarity to a decades-old dispute with millions of acres of public access at stake. MeatEater's LAI program has proudly supported “the Missouri Four” by funding Wyoming BHA's Corner Crossing Defense Fund throughout the fight.
Wildcat Bend
MeatEater's LAI, in partnership with Pheasants Forever and other stakeholders, helped secure Wildcat Bend North—328 acres along Montana's Yellowstone River. Now permanently protected, it's open for public hunting, fishing, and river access.
Montana Great Outdoors Project
MeatEater's LAI contributed $200,000 to the Montana Great Outdoors Project with Trust for Public Land. This 150,000-acre easement protects critical wildlife habitat, ties together 300,000 acres of conserved land, and ensures perpetual public access for hunting, fishing, and recreation while maintaining the working nature of the landscape.
Shiloh Pond
Our first project will always be special—Shiloh Pond in Kingsfield Township, Maine. With help from Brent West and the High Peaks Alliance, LAI supported the town's effort to secure its first piece of public land, ensuring lasting access for hunting, fishing, and recreation.
Do you know of a property that could provide crucial access to public lands? A small parcel that could unlock thousands of acres. A larger tract that could become a new wildlife area. Or like last year's Corner Crossing case, a public access fight that would benefit from funding. We want to hear about it!
Submit your project here, if you aren't entirely sure or you want to double down, go visit our friends at onX for additional program opportunities. We're excited to partner with you to continue expanding and protecting access for hunters and anglers across the country.