Tester, Walsh, Daines Announces Historic Montana Lands Bills Agreement

Press Release

In a joint press conference today, Senators Jon Tester, John Walsh and Senator-elect Steve Daines announced a landmark legislative package that includes eight Montana-based lands and resources bills.

"This is a historic day for Montana's treasured lands," Tester said. "Our state is The Last Best Place because of our special places to hunt, fish and recreate, and by responsibly ensuring future generations can enjoy the Rocky Mountain Front and the North Fork, we preserve our outdoor heritage and traditions while strengthening our outdoor economy. I was proud to fight for these bills and get them included in this package."

"Today's breakthrough proves that grassroots government can still lead to lasting results," Walsh said. "Our Congressional Delegation took a page from our fellow Montanans who came together to craft these bills. These bills are important to our outdoor heritage and way of life, and I'm proud that we were able to carry on Montana's century-long legacy of stewardship in the North Fork and the Rocky Mountain Front."

"In Montana, we know the importance of rolling up our sleeves and working together to get things done. By coming together and finding common ground, Senators Tester and Walsh and I are advancing eight bipartisan lands and resources bills that together address the concerns of Montanans from across our state-from ranchers and sportsmen to our tribes and natural resource industry," Daines stated. "I'm proud that we're taking historic steps today to protect some of our state's greatest treasures, expand the responsible development of Montana's energy resources, and expand and protect access to our public lands for generations to come."

Tester, Walsh and Daines worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to include the Montana bills in a larger public lands package. Former Montana Senator Max Baucus originally introduced the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act and the North Fork Watershed Protection Act.

The lands package is part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The measure will now be considered by the full House and Senate.

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