Guest column: It is time to pass the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act

Author: Zach Angstead

We are just on the other side of the most expensive election in Montana history. It was an election that seemed to pit neighbor against neighbor and where “each side” manufactured hostility.

While I find it surprising that such hostility exists, I believe that most Montanans have shared values around public lands. Whether you ride your snowmobile, mountain bike, horse, or carry a backpack, Montana’s public lands are an important reason why we live here.

In poll after poll, Montanans say they strongly value public lands regardless of party affiliation.

Now that Election Day has passed, it’s time to set our sights on getting a piece of federal legislation over the finish line that 85% of Montanans support: the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act.

Twenty years ago, snowmobilers, timber mill owners, ranchers, outfitters, and conservationists came together to implement a vision for the future of the Seeley Lake Ranger District, where forest restoration, recreation, and public lands protections were prioritized. This vision was created by the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Project and focused on the places where we could find agreement.

Later, mountain bike interests were incorporated, and the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act was born.

We rolled up our sleeves and worked together to balance forest restoration, recreation, and conservation. No group got everything they were after, but by working together, we created something that we believe benefits Montana and our nation as a whole.

The collaborative process led to a balanced and thoughtful piece of legislation in the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act.

Right now, the partnership is closely watching what is happening in Washington, D.C. We need our delegation to work together to ensure the BCSA is included in a public lands package.

Now more than ever, it is important for our delegation to act like the rest of us, roll up their sleeves, work together, and put Montana first.

The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act will expand the iconic Bob Marshall Wilderness, create new opportunities for mountain bike and snowmobile recreation, and increase forest restoration activities in the area around Seeley Lake.

It will protect the headwaters of the iconic Blackfoot River, ensure cold, clean water that native trout rely on to survive, protect bull trout habitat, create mountain bike and snowmobile opportunities, and help build the recreation economies of the Blackfoot and Clearwater valleys.

Expansion of the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness Areas is fitting considering that the Bob Marshall was created by Congress via the Wilderness Act 60 years ago this year. The BCSA will also direct the Forest Service to study other recreational opportunities and the need for forest restoration in the Seeley Ranger District.

The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Project has had countless kitchen table conversations about our vision for this landscape. We have visited with people at farmer’s markets, parades, and rodeos. We have led people interested in learning more, into the backcountry to visit some of these iconic places.

It is time to pass the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act. Passage of the BCSA will show that Montanans can still work together, that we can stand up for each other, and that Montana is still Montana.

Now, we need you to help. Call Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke, and tell them you support legislation that was created in Montana for Montanans. Tell them it is time to get the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act done.

Read this article on the Bozeman Daily Chronicle here.