Daines offers North Fork preservation bill

Montana Congressman Steve Daines introduced legislation Wednesday that is aimed at protecting the North Fork Flathead drainage from mineral development.

The Republican’s bill is a companion to legislation already introduced in the Senate by Montana’s Democratic Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester.

“As a fifth-generation Montanan and sportsman, I know how special the Treasure State is,” Daines stated. “Efforts to protect the North Fork Watershed, like the North Fork Watershed Protection Act, are a good example of how we can work together to put Montana first.”

The legislation is also intended to match British Columbia’s ban on mining and oil and gas extraction in the North Fork north of the border. Both the House and Senate versions allow for continued timber harvesting and grazing rights.

Michael Jamison, Glacier program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, said the legislation has broad bipartisan support, costs taxpayers nothing and protects land and water resources that are an important part of the region’s economy.

“Rep. Daines’ support of the North Fork Watershed Protection Act not only protects our outdoor heritage, it also serves as proof that Montana’s most majestic landscapes provide a common touchstone for us all. America’s Congress can learn from Montana’s leadership — here in the Big Sky country we know how to work together across borders to get important jobs done,” Jamison said.