News

The Montana Wildlife Federation needs your help to protect the Smith River watershed in central Montana. We are imploring the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to proceed with an administrative mineral withdrawal on federal public lands in this vital area.

The Smith River watershed in Central Montana holds profound significance within our state’s cultural tapestry and heritage. Each year, countless Montanans and visitors eagerly seek permits to embark on the awe-inspiring journey through its 59-mile limestone canyon. This river offers unparalleled opportunities for prime trout fishing, wildlife viewing, and unforgettable adventures that result in stories passed down for generations to come. The area also holds deep cultural significance to Montana’s indigenous communities, featuring some of the state’s most significant Native American pictographs.

For decades, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has managed the permitted section of the Smith River to benefit residents, tourists, and the landscape at large. Recognized by the USFS as eligible for Wild & Scenic designation, this section traverses one of Montana’s most secluded regions.

Sign the petition

Unfortunately, recent proposals for large-scale mining threaten the delicate balance of the Smith River ecosystem. While acknowledging the necessity of mining in certain contexts, we cannot ignore the severe environmental repercussions often associated with such activities. Given the unparalleled natural and cultural significance of the Smith River, permitting mining on public lands within its watershed is unequivocally inappropriate.

Over 500 mining claims have been staked on federal public lands in the Smith River drainage, posing a direct threat to its tributaries and scenic beauty. Notably, the Fort Belknap and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have passed resolutions in support of a mineral withdrawal, underscoring the urgency of this matter.

Moreover, this river and the surrounding area plays a pivotal role in fueling Montana’s $7.1 billion outdoor recreation economy — and serve as vital grazing grounds for local ranchers. Economic analyses reveal that recreational activities along the Smith River contribute over $11 million annually to Montana’s economy.

We urge the USFS to prioritize the protection of the Smith River and its surrounding lands for the benefit of current and future generations. The implementation of an administrative mineral withdrawal within the next six months is critical to safeguarding this natural treasure for all Americans.

Helena – This afternoon, the Lewis and Clark County District Court issued a ruling requiring Governor Greg Gianforte to take the appropriate steps to allow the Montana Legislature to vote on overriding his veto of Senate Bill 442. 

“SB 442 will be transformative for Montanans by improving wildlife and landscapes while supporting veterans and rural communities,” said Frank Szollosi, Executive Director of the Montana Wildlife Federation. It’s poised to be the largest investment in Montana’s wildlife habitat in over four decades, and we’re eager to work with our partners in the legislature to make it law.”

In June, the Montana Wildlife Federation, Wild Montana, and the Montana Association of Counties sued Governor Gianforte and Secretary of State Jacobsen for preventing the Legislature from overriding the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 442. The three organizations alleged that the Governor and the Secretary ignored the Montana Constitution when the Governor vetoed Senate Bill 442 and failed to communicate his veto to the Secretary, who in turn failed to poll the Legislature to override the veto.

Because of this, the Legislature had no opportunity to override the Governor’s veto despite the Montana Constitution guaranteeing it the authority to do so. 

The Secretary of State must now issue the veto override poll. Normally, the Secretary must issue the veto override poll within five days. Legislators then have 30 days to submit their responses.

“The governor has to play by the rules, just like everyone else,” said Noah Marion, Wild Montana Political and State Policy Director. “He can’t hijack the legislature’s authority, and the court’s decision makes it clear he has to respect the constitution. Now the legislature can do what it voted for months ago: pass SB 442 and invest $30 million in habitat conservation and public access”

Senate Bill 442 garnered votes from 130 of 150 state legislators, easily surpassing the two-thirds threshold needed to trigger a veto override process. The bill’s provisions were aimed at addressing several areas of public concern: it allocated crucial funding for county road maintenance, habitat conservation and public access initiatives, support for veterans and widowed spouses, and substance abuse treatment.  

“The legislature has the constitutional authority to check executive overreach – period,” said Jason Rittal, Montana Association of Counties Deputy Director. “With that clear, it’s time to pass SB 442 and invest in the infrastructure that agricultural producers, first responders, law enforcement, sportsmen, and all rural Montanans depend on.” 

A new report released by the Montana Wildlife Federation, titled “The Economic Impact of Climate Change in Montana,” highlights the looming economic threats that climate change poses to Montana’s celebrated outdoor recreational activities and wildlife.

Authored by Power Consulting Incorporated, the report lays bare a sobering prediction: Montana could witness a potential loss of 8,800 outdoor recreation jobs, and a staggering $263 million in labor earnings could evaporate annually by mid-century due to climate change. Among the most concerning figures is the anticipated drop in visitations to Montana’s renowned National Parks – namely Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, which are projected to bear a major brunt of the total job and income impacts.

“Montana’s hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are the first to witness the changing climate’s tangible effects,” said Frank Szollosi, Executive Director of Montana Wildlife Federation. “We are the frontline observers. Every altered migration route, impacted rut and every intensified wildfire is a chapter in the story of our changing climate. Many Montanans derive their livelihoods from these outdoor sectors, making the stakes even higher. What we witness is a testament to the urgent need for informed climate policies that prioritize the preservation of Montana’s rich wildlife and landscapes.”

Disturbing Forecasts

Under a “business-as-usual” trajectory, where we continue without significant interventions in greenhouse gas emissions, Montana is forecasted to experience a minimum temperature rise of 6°F by mid-century, with August seeing the largest shift. Changes in precipitation patterns may result in increased annual precipitation, but with drier summer months, subsequently affecting the state’s ecology and economy.

The release of this report comes before the congressionally-mandated Fifth National Climate Assessment is scheduled to be released this fall. 

Collectively these losses highlight what is at stake for Montana with respect to climate change: Montana will lose critical jobs and labor income in industries that define the state. Most Montanans personally invest in at least one of these sectors or rely on them for income. Notably, this report does not incorporate economic impacts that arise from larger, more frequent wildfires or the health impacts of climate change.

Montana’s outdoor recreation contributes significantly to its GDP, with only Hawaii surpassing it in outdoor recreation production as a percentage of total GDP. This report emphasizes the need for robust climate resilience policies in Montana, given the state’s economic reliance on outdoor recreation.

This comprehensive report highlights the urgent need for climate resilience legislation in Montana.

The report provides an update from a 2015 report by Power Consulting titled “The Impact of Climate Change on Montana’s Outdoor Economy.” The new report includes more Montana-specific data than was previously available and draws on new sources such as the Montana Climate Assessment (MCA), resulting in more detailed predictions for changes such as the estimated snowfall in Montana ski areas with the most up to date science. 

Key Findings:

• National Parks Visitation: Wildfires, growing in intensity and frequency, are predicted to be one of the most disruptive impacts on Montana recreation and tourist activities. The report projects a 15% decline in visitation to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks due to wildfire and wildfire smoke. The impact of forest fires and climate change is predicted to result in the loss of 3,800 jobs and $107 million in labor earnings annually.
• Wildlife Watching and Sightseeing Activities: Climate change impacts, including increased wildfires and reduced visibility due to smoke, are expected to make outdoor activities like wildlife-watching less appealing and unhealthy. With many areas of Montana to visit for wildlife-watching and sight-seeing, the report reduced the percentage impact for Montana’s National Parks to 15%. Aside from the impact to National Parks, the report projects the loss from climate change to be more than 1,600 jobs and more than $44 million in labor earnings annually.
• Hunting: The report projects that big game hunting could decline by up to 25% by mid-century, translating to a loss of 495 jobs and nearly $15 million in earnings annually. Climate change, combined with other environmental and human factors, is reshaping Montana’s hunting landscape. With warmer autumns and unpredictable snowfall, deer and elk will remain in the high country longer, complicating hunting.
• Sport Fishing: Early snowmelt and increased rain during winter and spring will lead to peak stream flows occurring earlier, leaving summer stream flows lower and hot for longer periods. Rising temperatures in streams and lakes will stress native fish populations, leading to more limitations on fishing. As a result, angling activity might drop by 30%, leading to a loss of 1,900 jobs and over $60 million in labor earnings annually.
• Winter Sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snowmobiling: Montana’s decreasing snow reliability could lead to a 19% loss of skiing and snowmobiling days, resulting in a loss of nearly 1,000 jobs and $35 million in labor earnings annually. The decline in snowpack, especially at lower elevations, combined with warmer winters, jeopardizes Montana’s skiing appeal. While snow-making equipment can offset some challenges, its use is limited by temperatures and costs. Overall, the skiing season in Montana is projected to shorten by 33 days over the next couple of decades.

Montana, with its sprawling Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the rugged terrains of the Upper Missouri River Breaks, is a collage of diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. These public lands are not just scenic; they are the lifeblood of our communities, driving our outdoor recreation businesses and shaping our way of life.

However, for years, these pristine landscapes have been under threat. Oil and gas companies that have capitalized on an antiquated federal leasing program have left an indelible mark on our communities. The repercussions are not just environmental; they have rippled through our health, well-being, and local economies.

Fortunately, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has proposed reforms to this flawed program. These changes will benefit taxpayers and enhance our communities’ access to public lands. These reforms could lead to improved land management. By curbing oil and gas leasing in low potential areas, we can channel our energies towards addressing and mitigating environmental issues in these areas.

If passed, the rule would incentivize companies to complete their drilling projects and strengthen regulations for responsible development, addressing long standing issues in the federal program of speculative leasing and of wells being frequently abandoned.

Taxpayers First: Ensuring Fair Returns and Accountability

The BLM’s reforms are not just about conservation; the proposed rule also ensures oil and gas companies bear the clean-up costs, addressing the problem of abandoned wells that harm our environment.

With property taxes in Montana witnessing unprecedented hikes, it’s high time we ensure that oil and gas companies are held accountable for their actions. The proposed changes advocate for reasonable bonding rates, putting the onus on these corporations to clean up after their operations. This is a significant shift from the current scenario, where taxpayers often bear the brunt of environmental clean-ups for abandoned wells that pollute our lands and waters.

The reforms also aim to update royalty and rental rates, guaranteeing that Montanans receive what’s rightfully theirs. These proposed leasing reforms would enact the reforms proposed in a 2021 report and codify provisions passed by Congress from the Inflation Reduction Act to protect wildlife, make taxpayers whole, and address the climate crisis.

A Resounding Yes from Montanans

The overwhelming support for the BLM’s reforms is a testament to Montanans’ love for their land and a shared vision for its future. Recent polls have shown that a staggering 96% of Montana voters are in favor of making oil and gas companies financially responsible for post-development clean-up and restoration. This sentiment was further echoed during the BLM’s comment period, where over 260,000 individuals, many of them Montanans, voiced their opinions, with a whopping 99% in favor of the proposed changes.

The current BLM Dillon field office Resource Management Plan (RMP) identified that about 1.2 million acres, or 86%, of the eligible lands in Montana, have low or very low energy development potential. For decades, oil and gas companies have had the opportunity to lease this land through speculative leasing practices, diverting critical conservation resources for wildlife habitat. Speculative leasing, coupled with harmful development, has posed an existential threat to this fragile ecosystem and the residents and businesses that call it home

In the last decade alone, nearly 220,000 acres of Montana’s public lands were leased noncompetitively, including in crucial big game habitat and priority habitat for greater sage-grouse. Noncompetitive leasing took all those public lands off the table for other uses while generating nothing for taxpayers, but thankfully the BLM’s proposed reforms will eliminate the antiquated practice of noncompetitive leasing.

Looking Ahead

The ball is now in the BLM’s court. By expediting the finalization and implementation of these reforms, the agency has an opportunity to rewrite the future of Montana’s public lands. It’s time we manage our lands to celebrate all of Montana’s natural treasures – be it wildlife, hunting, fishing, or outdoor recreation – and not limit them to just oil and gas.

As the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee prepares for its hearing on the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act (BCSA) this Thursday, Sept. 21, multiple polls consistently highlight the unwavering support from Montanans for the landmark legislation.

Multiple polls consistently highlight the unwavering support from Montanans for the landmark legislation. The 2023 Colorado College Conservation in the West Poll added to this chorus of support, indicating that a staggering 84% of Montanans are in favor of the BCSA.

The BCSA aims to ensure hunting and fishing access, safeguard streams flowing into the Blackfoot River, and add nearly 80,000 acres of existing public lands to wilderness areas. The act also seeks to create new recreational zones while promoting sustainable timber harvest and habitat restoration.

“The results of survey after survey underscore the overwhelming importance of public lands to our communities, our economy, and our environment,” said Frank Szollosi, executive director of Montana Wildlife Federation. “As we approach the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, I urge our elected officials to recognize the collective will of Montanans.The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act has garnered substantial, long-standing bipartisan support. The BCSA is more than just a piece of legislation; it’s a vision for a path to preserve Montana’s legacy, economy, and way of life.”

The Blackfoot watershed is home to thriving fish and wildlife habitats, as well as a growing economy centered around timber and outdoor recreation. It offers unparalleled hunting and fishing opportunities. These wild lands warrant robust protection and management. The Grizzly Basin and the North Fork of the Blackfoot, which are priority habitat for grizzly bears and bull trout, represent some of the last remaining pristine territories in Montana.

For years, the Montana Wildlife Federation (MWF) has been a member of the Blackfoot Clearwater Steering Committee, which has been at the forefront of developing the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act (BCSA). Our commitment to the landmark legislation is unwavering, and we’re proud to see support from the majority of Montanans, though we still need support from Senator Steve Daines.

The Blackfoot Clearwater Steering Committee and Senator Jon Tester have spent almost 20 years adjusting the BCSA based on discussions with stakeholders, local residents, legislators, organizations, and a steering committee, resulting in broad support from Montanans.

Montanans have long shown overwhelming support for the BCSA. The University of Montana’s biennial Voter Survey on Public Lands has consistently echoed these sentiments. Commissioned by the University of Montana’s Crown of the Continent and Greater Yellowstone Initiative, this survey has tracked the growing support for the BCSA over the years. In 2018, 73% of respondents backed the act. By 2020, this number rose to 75%. The most recent data from this survey in 2022 showed a remarkable 83% in favor of the BCSA.

The most recent poll, conducted by Public Policy Polling earlier this month, surveyed 545 Montana voters and found that 67% of respondents support the BCSA. Of those polled, 55% voted Republican in the last presidential election. A significant 89% of respondents confirmed their active use of public lands in Montana, and 88% of respondents agreed that public lands are essential to Montana’s economy, emphasizing the intertwined relationship between conservation and economic prosperity. Overall, the survey revealed that support for the BCSA transcends gender, political affiliation, age, and education.

The BCSA represents a multifaceted approach to land management, incorporating a wide range of regional interests. Its provisions, from expanding wilderness areas to creating new recreational opportunities for snowmobilers and mountain bikers, reflect a collaborative vision for Montana’s future.

Lastly, the BCSA incorporates the Southwest Crown Collaborative, which has already helped sustain local timber jobs through forest and stream restoration work. Given the increasing threats of climate change and wildfires, maintaining the health of our forests is of paramount importance.

The passage of the BCSA is long awaited, and we thank Senator Tester for his relentless advocacy for our grassroots proposal that benefits Montanans. Now, we urge Senator Daines to support this proposal and ensure it makes it to the President’s desk.

The best thing you can do to support the BCSA is to contact Senator Daines and tell him why the BCSA is important to you. You can reach Daines’ Washington D.C. office by calling (202) 224-2651.

The hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will be on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 9:30 AM EST/7:30 AM MST. You can tune into it virtually when the hearing is live here.