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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September 17, 2019| View More
Tester: ‘the time has come’ to Fully Invest in Land & Water Conservation Fund
U.S. Senator Jon Tester today defended Montana’s outdoor heritage and called on Congressional leaders in both parties to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) as they set their 2020 federal funding priorities.
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September 6, 2019| View More
Tester Secures More Than $1.6 million in LWCF Funding for Montana
U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today $1,611,602 in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants that will expand public access to public land and bolster Montana’s outdoor recreation economy.
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September 5, 2019| View More
Tester Fires up the Crowd, Leads Panel on Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act at Last Best Outdoors Fest
U.S. Senator Jon Tester today led a panel discussion with Montana business leaders on his Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship …
