Last week, Montana BHA members showed up in full force at the state legislature, advocating for the conservation and stewardship of our public lands, wildlife habitat, and hunting heritage. As the grassroots voice for hunters, anglers, and all who appreciate Montana’s wild spaces, we have been closely monitoring and pushing back against several bad bills that threaten these resources. 

HB 676: Streamlining the Sale of State Lands

One of the most pressing pieces of legislation we’re fighting right now is HB 676, which proposes to streamline the sale of isolated state lands to neighboring landowners. While we acknowledge that some isolated parcels of state land present access challenges, the answer isn’t to sell off public lands to private interests. In testimony before the legislature, Matt Leow, lobbying for Montana BHA, emphasized that creating a “fire sale” of public land would be a disservice to Montanans and future generations. Instead of selling off these lands, we should be looking for solutions to enhance access to these areas.

View coverage of BHA's testimony in the Montana Free Press

TAKE ACTION

SB 307: Cutting Funds for Habitat Montana Program 

*Update* This bill was killed on the House floor April 1!

SB 307 is another bill that has raised significant concern among conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts. This bill proposes cutting $20 million from Montana’s Habitat Montana program, which funds vital conservation efforts across the state. This program plays a crucial role in ensuring that Montana’s lands remain healthy and accessible for outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing.

Micah Fields, a Montana BHA board member, voiced strong opposition to this bill, stating that the proposed cuts would have immediate negative effects on the state’s wildlife habitats and public land access. As a state that relies heavily on outdoor recreation for both its economy and its way of life, cutting funding for habitat conservation would be a major step backward. It’s essential that we continue to invest in our natural resources and protect the landscapes that make Montana one of the most sought-after outdoor destinations in the country.

View coverage of BHA's testimony in the Flathead Beacon

TAKE ACTION

SJ 14: Release of Federal Wilderness Study Areas

Another important piece of legislation the chapter opposed last week is SJ 14, which calls for the release of federal Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs). Micah Fields testified against this bill as well, highlighting that releasing these areas from their current protections would directly threaten critical habitat for wildlife and disrupt the pristine nature of these roadless lands.

View coverage of BHA's testimony on KTVQ.com

HB 379: Revising laws related to state land leases for commercial purposes and the sale of state land

In addition to the above bills, there was another piece of legislation that posed a significant threat to public lands: HB 379, a bill that aimed to streamline the sale of public lands. BHA and partner organizations lobbied hard against this legislation and it failed a vote on the house floor at the end of last week!

HJ 24: Opposition to Utah Lawsuit

On top of these bills, the Montana legislature also heard HJ 24, a resolution supporting the state of Utah's lawsuit against the federal government regarding public lands. Over 50 individuals testified against the resolution, including BHA members and North American Board Chair, Ryan Callaghan, who voiced strong concerns over this push to undermine federal protections for public lands. 

Looking Ahead: Standing Up for Public Lands

At Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, we are committed to defending the places we love and ensuring that our public lands remain protected for future generations. Our work over the past week in the legislature is just a snapshot of the ongoing effort to safeguard Montana’s hunting heritage and wild spaces from short-term political pressures. Today the Montana Chapter celebrated the introduction of of HJ 39, a joint resolution introduced by Joshua Seckinger protecting public lands.

We want to thank the members of the Montana BHA community who have spoken out, testified, and advocated for the protection of our public lands this week. Your voices are making a difference.

As we move forward, we encourage all Montanans who care about hunting, fishing, public access, conservation, and wildlife habitat to stay engaged and informed about these bills. Together, we can ensure that Montana remains a place where wild places are protected, and future generations can continue to enjoy the hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation that make our state so special.

For more information about our positions on these bills, visit BHA's Western Policy Spotter.