Congressman Ryan Zinke Reintroduces Conservation Bills from Previous Session
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Loading... - Maire Dunne
- 27 Jan 2025
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Congressman Ryan Zinke has reintroduced a series of conservation bills that he initially proposed during the 118th Congress. With the new Congress commencing on January 3, 2025, members are required to resubmit their legislation. Zinke emphasized the significance of these bills for ensuring the preservation of natural resources for future generations.
In a statement, Zinke expressed his personal connection to the outdoors, saying, "I want to be able to hunt, hike, and fish with my grandkids in the same rivers, trails, and lakes where my grandpa took me. That’s why these bills are so critical; they ensure that we can pass down that way of life to future generations."
Among the bills Zinke has reintroduced is the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, which aims to prohibit the sale or transfer of most public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service, except under specific conditions. This legislation mandates Congressional approval for the disposal of publicly accessible federal land tracts over 300 acres and for tracts over 5 acres that are accessible via a public waterway.
Another significant piece of legislation is the Fill the Lake Act, which addresses the issue of low water levels in Flathead Lake. This act would require the Department of the Interior to maintain a minimum pool level of 2892 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level) and a maximum of 2893 feet MSL from June 15 to September 15 each year. The goal is to prevent a recurrence of the 2023 season, during which the lake's water level dropped nearly two feet below full pool.
Additionally, Zinke has included the Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act in his legislative package. This act builds on Secretarial Order 3362, which focuses on improving habitat quality in Western big-game winter ranges and migration corridors. The legislation would provide funding for conservation efforts that support big game wildlife migration corridors and habitat connectivity, codifying the Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program and the USDA’s Migratory Big Game Initiative.
Zinke stated, "Every Montanan knows that public lands belong in public hands, our big game must be protected, and Flathead Lake should remain full for everyone to enjoy. I’m committed to fighting for these bills, pushing them across the finish line, and making sure they’re signed into law, so we can preserve this legacy for years to come."
As these conservation bills move forward, Zinke's efforts reflect a broader commitment to protecting natural resources and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the outdoor activities that many cherish.
