Issue Position: Forest Jobs and Recreation Act

Issue Position

Montana's forest communities face a crisis.

Our local sawmills are on the brink and families are out of work while our forests turn red from an unprecedented outbreak of pine beetles, waiting for the next big wildfire. It's a crisis that demands action now.

That's why I wrote the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act. It's a common-sense bill that will create jobs in Montana's forests, keep communities safe, protect clean water and safeguard Montana's hunting and fishing habitat for future generations.

The Forest Jobs bill is the product of the hard work of Montanans from all walks of life. It comes from hunters, hikers and anglers, loggers and conservationists, snowmobilers and trail riders.

It will create timber jobs by requiring the Forest Service to manage thousands of acres each year for timber harvest -- especially areas infected by pine-beetles that pose a serious wildfire threat to Montana communities and their drinking water sources. The bill also requires the Forest Service to put folks to work on projects that help repair our valuable watersheds and improve big game habitat.

The Forest Jobs Bill will also guarantee access for motorized recreation, hunting, camping and fishing. It will keep some of Montana's prized backcountry wild. And it will make sure that Montana's pure water will stay clean forever.

The Forest Jobs and Recreation Act is a smart, home-grown plan. It is a result of Montanans working together to create jobs and to keep our backcountry and clean water an important part of our outdoor heritage.

I encourage all Montanans to take a look at this legislation. You can also sign up as a citizen cosponsor to do your part to put your shoulder to the wheel in the push to get this done.

I encourage all Montanans to support this important Forest Jobs Bill for our future. And as always, I look forward to hearing feedback.

By working together, we will create jobs. We will create new opportunities for recreation. We will protect Montana's clean water. We will protect our communities from wildfire. And we will keep Montana's fishing, hunting and hiking habitat around for our kids and grandkids.

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