Local Meeting Held To Discuss Potential Pipeline

Fallon County Commissioner says landowner feedback was mostly positive

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:02pm

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A meeting was held in Bainville, Montana earlier this month to discuss the proposed Bridger Pipeline, a 645-mile long pipeline project that would transport 550,000 barrels of Canadian oil daily from Montana to Wyoming. The meeting, attended by about 50 individuals, was organized by the PRO-Montana group to address how landowners can work and negotiate with pipeline officials regarding easements and payments.

Why it matters

The proposed Bridger Pipeline would traverse a significant portion of Montana, including above the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, and would require securing easements from many private landowners along the route. The meeting aimed to ensure landowners are informed and positioned to get the best possible deal from the pipeline company.

The details

Fallon County Commissioner Kevin Braun, a member of the PRO-Montana group, said the meeting 'went really well' and that he 'didn't hear much negatively' from the landowners in attendance. The proposed 36-inch pipeline would run 645 miles from north of Malta, Montana to Guernsey, Wyoming. Bridger Pipeline of Casper, Wyoming filed its plans with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality in February, and if approved, construction is slated to begin in July 2027.

  • The meeting was held earlier this month in Bainville, Montana.
  • Bridger Pipeline filed its plans with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality in February 2026.
  • If approved, construction on the pipeline is planned to begin in July 2027.

The players

Kevin Braun

Fallon County Commissioner and member of the PRO-Montana group.

Bridger Pipeline

A pipeline company based in Casper, Wyoming that has proposed the 645-mile pipeline project.

PRO-Montana

A group that seeks to put landowners in the best position regarding pipeline easements and payments.

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What they’re saying

“The meeting went really well.”

— Kevin Braun, Fallon County Commissioner

“I didn't hear much negatively.”

— Kevin Braun, Fallon County Commissioner

What’s next

If Bridger Pipeline receives the required regulatory approvals, the plan is for construction to begin in July 2027.

The takeaway

This meeting demonstrates the importance of open communication between pipeline companies and local landowners to ensure a fair and transparent process for securing easements and compensating affected property owners along the proposed pipeline route.