Here we go again. Representative Don Young has introduced the State National Forest Management Act (H.R. 232). This bill would allow state governments to take over up to two million acres of national forest land. That is more than the entire Gallatin National Forest (1.8 million acres) or nearly all of the Flathead National Forest (2.3 million acres). The bill would also require that the lands be managed for maximum revenue, not wildlife habitat or public access.
Representative Young has been in Washington DC for the last 45 years, so he might not realize that people who live in the West overwhelmingly oppose state takeover of national forests. Montanans recognize that these lands belong to all Americans and should be managed for multiple uses, not just to make money. The facts are clear, states cannot afford to manage these lands – and they will be forced to sell them off.
Politicians need to quit trying to grab our public lands and focus instead on real solutions that would protect wildlife habitat, improve forest management, and preserve our outdoor heritage.
Show your support for public lands by joining hundreds of other Montanans in the Montana Capitol at noon on January 30 to show our leaders how important our lands are to Montana. RSVP today!
