Public Lands
Jon knows that in Montana outdoor recreation is more than a hobby—it's a way of life. Because Montana boasts some of the most beautiful views of National Parks, rivers, streams, and wildlife the country has to offer, Montanans know how important it is to protect public lands.
Outdoor recreation is one of Montana's biggest and fastest growing industries. In fact, hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping generate more than $7 billion and sustain 71,000 jobs across the state each year.
Jon is fighting to keep public lands in public hands. In January 2019, the Jon’s bill to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was signed into law. Funded through offshore oil and gas development revenue, LWCF has invested more than $540 million to support Montana’s outdoor economy since 1965—all without costing the taxpayers a dime. Jon continues pushing to ensure that LWCF is fully, permanently funded for generations to come.
In a collaborative effort between Montana ranchers, loggers, mountain bikers, snowmobilers, and business owners, Jon also crafted and introduced the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act. This made-in-Montana bill protects thousands of acres of public land, ensures future generations can access outdoor recreational opportunities, and strengthens Montana's outdoor economy. The bill received a hearing last Congress and continues to pick up momentum.
Jon is working hard to protect Montana’s iconic landscapes for future generations. His bipartisan Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act was signed into law, protecting the doorstep of the nation’s first National Park and 30,000 acres of public land from industrial mining. He successfully led the bipartisan Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act and the North Fork Protection Act, which ensure these treasured places can be enjoyed for future generations.
Related News
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March 4, 2020| View More
Tester-Led Effort for Full, Permanent Funding for Land and Water Conservation Fund Gains Traction in Senate
After years leading the push to protect our nation’s public lands and Montana’s $7.1 billion outdoor recreation economy, …
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March 3, 2020| View More
Tester ‘thrilled’ by President’s Call to Fully Fund Land and Water Conservation Fund After Proposing to Cut It by 97 Percent
U.S. Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after President Trump finally called to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF):
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February 25, 2020| View More
Tester Warns Homeland Security Chief Against ‘alarming trend’ of Ransacking National Security Funds to Pay for Border Wall
U.S. Senator Jon Tester today pressed Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf on the Trump Administration’s plan to divert an additional $2 billion—on top of $15.2 billion already allocated—away from critical homeland security priorities to build an ineffective, inefficient wall along the entire southern border.
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February 14, 2020| View More
Tester Slams Trump Nominee for Extreme Views on Public Land, Postal Service, and Amtrak Privatization
The nomination of Judy Shelton to a leading position at the Federal Reserve has U.S. Senator Jon Tester …
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February 10, 2020| View More
Tester Slams Administration Budget Proposal: ‘rural America deserves better’
Following the release of the Trump Administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2021 budget, U.S. Senator Jon Tester released the following statement:
