We need your help! Congressman Gianforte is a member of the House Natural Resources Committee and he is furthering his attack on Montana’s public lands. The committee will hold hearings on H.R 5148 and H.R. 5149 tomorrow, June 21st. These two bills propose to release 29 significant areas from the protection of Wilderness Study Area status, six of which are located in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument:
• Antelope Creek Wilderness Study Area
• Cow Creek Wilderness Study Area
• Dog Creek South Wilderness Study Area
• Ervin Ridge Wilderness Study Area
• Stafford Wilderness Study Area
• Woodhawk Wilderness Study Area
If passed, these bills would leave 700,000 acres of public lands one step closer to energy resource development, logging and motorized travel. A 2018 poll from University of Montana shows that 81% of Montanans oppose the legislation, while only 11% support them. Congressman Gianforte did not hold any public meetings prior to introducing these bills, and instead decided to operate in the dark of night. This move served to exclude Montanans from the decision making process of managing our public lands.
The wilderness study areas are comprised of essential habitats that impact the entirety of our state’s population, not only are Montana’s wildlands the foundation of the $7 billion outdoor recreation economy, these lands protect water, vital wildlife and bird habitat, and cultural and natural resources.
Take action today and make the call to Congressman Gianforte. Tell him that you do not support these bills. Every Montanan has a right to be involved in the management of our public lands.
Let your voices be heard. Make the call.
Congressman Gianforte Contact Information:
Helena District Office: 406-502-1435
Great Falls District Office: 406-952-1280
Billings District Office: (406) 969-1736
Washington D.C.: (202) 225-3211
Fax: (202) 225-5687