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, 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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Tester Urges Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to Approve Martha Williams to Lead Fish and Wildlife Services
In a letter to Senate Environment and Public Works Committee leadership, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today urged the committee to approve Montana’s Martha Williams’ nomination to be the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service following today’s hearing.
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October 19, 2021| View More
Tester’s Landmark Blackfoot-Clearwater Stewardship Act Picks Up Momentum in Key Senate Committee Hearing
Senator: “I am excited to see the positive momentum this critical legislation is earning as we continue working towards creating jobs and protecting this landscape for generations to come.”
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October 1, 2021| View More
BREAKING: Tracy Stone-Manning Confirmed as Director of Bureau of Land Management
Tester delivers floor speech ahead of vote; says confirmation is “a huge win for Montana’s public lands, and the thousands of good-paying jobs that depend on them.”
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September 27, 2021| View More
Tester Secures More Than $1.3 Million in LWCF Funding for New State Park on Flathead Lake
$1.3 million will help Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks purchase 105 acres at Somers Beach
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July 27, 2021| View More
On Senate Floor, Tester Urges Swift Confirmation for Tracy Stone-Manning to Lead Bureau of Land Management
Ahead of a crucial procedural vote, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today took to the Senate floor today to urge his colleagues to quickly confirm Tracy Stone-Manning’s nomination to lead the Bureau of Land Management.
