BILLINGS, Mont. -- A historic dude ranch near Yellowstone National Park will be managed as grizzly bear habitat and big-game winter range under a plan signed by Gallatin National Forest officials.

The plan directs management of the rugged 3,200-acre OTO Ranch north of Gardiner, and is a compromise meant to allow continued administrative use and maintenance of several historic buildings on the property.

"The primary intent of the land acquisition was to protect important wildlife habitat and provide access to public lands," said Ken Britton, Gardiner District ranger. "As a result, the majority of the ranch lands will be managed with an emphasis on grizzly bear and big-game winter range."

Established in 1898, the OTO is recognized as the first dude ranch in Montana. A lodge and cabins built in 1912 have been restored by volunteers, and the ranch was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

The OTO became public property 16 years ago, and Gallatin National Forest officials have been trying to figure out what to do with it.

"We have had tremendous volunteer and community support for the OTO since we acquired the property," Britton said. "It is truly a special place to a lot of people.

"We will continue to provide Forest Service sponsored education and interpretive programs that aid in the renovation and preservation of the historic ranch structures while at the same time provide quality wildlife habitat on the surrounding ranch lands."

Twenty-eight acres of the property have been set aside around the ranch buildings. Although the public can visit the site, the buildings are not open to public use.

Hunting will continue to be allowed on the site. Access to the property is nonmotorized only.

Copies of the plan are available on the Gallatin National Forest Web site, or by calling the forest's archaeologist.

Information from: Billings Gazette, http://www.billingsgazette.com