In Montana, we have a strong commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our state and integrating our connection to the land in our livelihoods. We all believe in the campsite rule – keeping a place they way we found it.
Sen. Jon Tester’s Forest Jobs and Recreation Act will help us keep our forests intact, accessible, and profitable for future generations of Montanans.
Sen. Tester’s Forest Jobs and Recreation Act is the best solution to forest management our state has seen in years. The bill brings all kinds of regular, everyday Montanans together to find homegrown solutions to our forest issues. The process and the resulting bill represent good and reasoned efforts in communication and cooperation, which is sorely needed in our public discourse.
When I read a recent article about Sen. Jon Tester's "Forest Jobs and Recreation Act" and how it all started, I can't understand what is being criticized. For decades, Montana's loggers, conservationists and motorized users have been in serious conflict. As the article said, over the last 25 years there has been no new wilderness and no logs for the mills. Because of the timber wars, management became stagnant - nothing changed to alleviate these contentious issues.
As Sen. Tester's bill, the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act, receives more and more attention - even amidst our national health care crisis - I am increasingly impressed. In a recent Independent Record article, Senator Tester articulated why Montana needs such a bill.
Much of what we treasure in Montana is at stake. Just one look at the brown trees between Helena and Butte tells us that massive wildfires threaten our communities. Driving down the main streets of Deer Lodge or Townsend tells us that Montana's timber towns have seen better times.
As a teenager I discovered the thrill of hunting elk, climbing peaks and fishing in high mountain lakes. I suspect I’ll continue doing this for a long time. Part of the enjoyment is being able to see vast areas untouched by man, places that look and feel as they likely did hundreds of years ago. Unfortunately, as I hike through the mountains of southwest Montana I also see land damaged by pine beetles, illegal motorized trails, weed infestations and camping practices which fall short of Leave No Trace.
I'm writing in support of Sen. Tester's forest jobs bill. The ability to enjoy clean water, to hunt and fish in beautiful forests, and for families to take their children camping and teach them about the great outdoors are all activities that are easy for us to take for granted.
It would be nice if active forest management on the National Forests were possible in Montana. Sen. Tester's "Jobs and Recreation Act" seems like a good starting point.
Seeley Lake is the best kept secret in western Montana. We have majestic mountain peaks, crystal clear trout streams, bottomless lakes and abundant wildlife. As a community, Seeley Lakers recognize the value of the environment we live in, and we have worked proactively to maintain this environment in its pristine, natural condition.
This letter is in support of Sen. Jon Tester’s Forest Jobs and Recreation Bill. I am in agreement with what our senator is proposing to do to protect our forests, our water and our way of life in Montana.
Recently Sen. Tester announced the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act, a visionary proposal aimed at preserving the economic and ecological vitality of communities and landscapes across western Montana.
The bill gives direction for managing resources and recreation across a wide swath of Forest Service and BLM land, and provides permanent habitat and watershed protection by designating 677,000 acres as wilderness.