In Big Sky Country, 27 million acres of publicly owned national forest and Bureau of Land Management lands provide fish and wildlife with irreplaceable habitat. Despite the immense value of America’s public lands, special interests are working hard in favor of the Montana public lands transfer. If the state were to take over these lands, it is indisputable that important lands would be sold off and closed to hunting, fishing, and public access.
Montana government officials and stakeholders realize that this idea is unworkable, and they are stepping up in support of America’s public lands legacy.
“I do not support any effort that jeopardizes or calls into question the future of our public lands heritage”
-Montana Governor Steve Bullock
“Imagine how many acres would be locked up if we were forced to sell the lands to wealthy out-of-state interests?”
-U.S. Senator Jon Tester
“We must stand firm against any efforts to sell our public lands.”
-U.S. Senator Steve Daines
“Montana is not for sale.”
-Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke
(Quoted during his tenure as Montana’s U.S. Representative)
“From a fiscal standpoint this idea of transferring public lands to the state is really pretty crazy.”
-Mary Sexton, former director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
The Montana Wood Products Association has formally opposed public land transfer.
Helena’s Independent Record editorialized in opposition to public lands transfer.
Billings Gazette editorialized in opposition to public lands transfer.
