Public Lands
Jon knows that outdoor recreation is more than a hobby in Montana—it's a way of life.
It's also 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.
That's why Jon is fighting to keep public lands in public hands. Recently, there have been attempts, at both the local and national levels, to transfer public lands to individual states that can't afford to manage them, which leads to states selling off those lands to the highest bidder. Jon believes this will cut off access for thousands of Montanans to their favorite hunting, hiking or fishing spots.
Jon has introduced the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act, a made-in-Montana bill that will protect thousands of acres of public land, ensure future generations can access outdoor recreational opportunities, and strengthen Montana's outdoor economy. He has also pushed Congress to permanently reauthorize and fully-fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which helps increase public access to public lands.
Jon is also working hard to protect iconic landscapes for future generations, including introducing the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act to protect the doorstep of the nation's first National Park from industrial mining. He successfully passed 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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April 9, 2019| View More
Continuing Longtime Advocacy for Land & Water Conservation Fund, Tester Renews Legislative Push for Permanent Funding
(U.S. Senate) - Continuing his longtime commitment to preserving Montana's public lands, U.S. Senator Jon Tester introduced bipartisan …
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April 3, 2019| View More
Tester Recognized as Champion for National Parks & Public Lands
(U.S. Senate) - In recognition of his steadfast support for public lands and America's National Parks, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today received the National Park Conservation Association's 2019 National Park Heritage Award.
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March 12, 2019| View More
Tester’s Landmark Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, LWCF Reauthorization Signed into Law
(U.S. Senate)-President Donald Trump today signed U.S. Senator Jon Tester's bill to permanently protect the gateway to Yellowstone …
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March 6, 2019| View More
Tester Working to Combat the Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease with Legislation
(U.S. Senate)-After deer in Montana tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease, U.S. Senator Jon Tester introduced legislation to fight the spread of the disease that is threatening big game herds across the west.
