Dear Editor,
I’ve had the opportunity to live in communities across Montana. While each region of the state certainly has its own unique culture and character, one thing that strikes me is that regardless of our differences – Montanans truly value our public lands. You don’t have to take my word for it. A recent poll from the University of Montana’s Crown of the Continent and Greater Yellowstone Initiative shows 83% of Montana voters say federal public lands are a major benefit to our state’s economy. When you consider the fact that nearly 40 percent of the state is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), we all should be aware of changes to how those lands are managed.
The BLM recently announced new rules to give conservation similar consideration on land management decisions as is currently given to mining, drilling, timber harvesting and grazing. These common-sense new rules are not as controversial as some partisan rhetoric might make you think during this election cycle. In fact, 70% of Montana voters polled support the new BLM rules as a smart way to update the rules given how much Montanans value our public lands. This update has been a long time coming and finally gives conservation equal footing with other uses of our vast BLM lands. Rather than tearing down the rule and bringing nasty national partisan politics to Montana, Sen. Daines should listen to Montanans and take a look at the public polling that clearly shows Montanans support this milestone thanks to the leadership of BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. To be clear: 7 in 10 Montanans from both parties support the BLM rules. This balanced approach recognizes the significant contribution our BLM lands make to our outdoor recreation economy – contributing $11.4 billion annually.
Another public lands poll, conducted by Colorado College, shows 4 in 5 voters consider the loss of open space as a problem throughout the region. Rather than wringing our hands about how to handle the increased pressures on our public lands in Montana, we can support bringing balance to management of those lands. That’s exactly what the new (and long overdue) BLM rule does and is something we can celebrate and support as people who live, work, and play outdoors.
Morgan Scatterfield
Billings MT
