Sen. Jon Tester's jobs and recreation bill protects and improves some of the best hunting and fishing habitat in America. That's why Billings-area hunters and anglers who hunt or fish the Lolo, Beaverhead Deerlodge or Kootenai forests should support it.

The timber harvest design in the bill is aimed at restoration of landscapes important to deer, elk and moose as well as wild trout. Restoring already roaded landscapes with a mosaic of younger vegetation mixed with old growth will result in productive habitat for big game and other wildlife. Better vegetation across large landscapes along with improved habitat security will result in a better chance of hunters filling their tags, whether they are looking for a trophy buck or bull or just trying to fill the freezer.

The bill will result in the restoration of fish passage and reduction of sediment by rehabilitating obsolete old roads and maintaining the roads needed for access.

Protecting high country as new wildernesses assures long-term habitat for such species as mountain goats and wolverines that are increasingly squeezed by motorized intrusions. These areas will provide important places for traditional experiences in large open spaces free of pollution, scars and disturbance of machines.

This bill would provide both benefits to current hunters and anglers and would assure that our treasured outdoor opportunities will be equally available for our kids and grandkids.

Greg Munther, chairman
Montana Chapter Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
Missoula