Putting public Lands at risk is a threat to hunters and heritage

While Montana hunters filled their tags this hunting season, Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke were working in Washington, D.C., to privatize some of Montana’s coveted public lands. Their legislative push not only threatens Montana’s hunting heritage but also hands over public resources to private and corporate interests.

Daines has introduced S. 4444, aimed at benefiting Signal Peak Energy, a coal company with a criminal record. This bill would pave the way for a massive expansion of the Bull Mountains coal mine without going through the normal environmental review procedure. Most concerningly, the bill would transfer nearly 1,000 acres of public land from public ownership, transferring them into the ownership of a private family trust. Zinke has introduced a companion bill, H.R. 8952, in the House.

The Bull Mountains are more than a coal field; they are one of the closest hunting grounds to Montana’s largest population center. Hunters from the entire Billings area look to the precious public parcels within these mountains to pursue Montana’s prized elk, whitetail, mule deer, Merriam’s turkeys, black bears, furbearers and mountain lions. These species thrive in a landscape where limited public lands and access points provide vital opportunities for hunters and recreationists across the state. Privatizing these lands would further sever the public’s right to access them, eroding the outdoor heritage Montanans hold dear and placing a heavier burden on the last of the limited surrounding publicly accessible lands.

Daines is aiming to transfer publicly-owned Bull Mountain coal and the associated public lands to the Hope Family Trust. This plan offers no compensation to the public. There’s no proposal to transfer private lands into public ownership to offset this loss and no guarantee that the Hope Family will continue to provide access to these lands. And by relinquishing subsurface mineral rights, the bill would eliminate royalty payments that currently benefit county, state, and federal governments — further shortchanging Montanans. The bill ostensibly contains a revenue-sharing agreement with the Crow Tribe, but the exact terms are yet to be defined; the bills as written do not guarantee revenue for the Tribe.

The economic value of hunting in this region is undeniable. Every year, hunting generates millions of dollars for rural communities, fueling local businesses, outfitters, and guides. For many, hunting is more than just an economic activity; it is a vital part of our identity, a means of sustenance, and a deep-rooted connection to the land and outdoor traditions passed down through generations. The loss of federal ownership of these lands is accompanied by a loss of environmental protections.

If passed, S 4444. would sidestep critical environmental safeguards at the Bull Mountains coal mine. The bills would reinstate the mine’s operations without the legally required review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), effectively silencing Montanans by eliminating public input and comment opportunities. NEPA’s review process ensures public resources are managed responsibly and protects vital springs that sustain local wildlife, including the game animals that hunters pursue. 

This isn’t just a public land grab; it’s a blow to the principle that public lands are meant for all. Hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservationists should pay close attention. The transfer of public lands into private hands is not the Montana way.

Mike Mershon is director and president-elect of the Montana Wildlife Federation board. He lives in Billings.