Representative Ryan Zinke (MT-1) is leaving Congress in January. But before he goes, he’s trying to pass a 430,000-acre public lands bill in the Blackfoot with an unbelievably broad coalition that includes loggers, environmentalists, motorcyclists, and outfitters.
Congressman Zinke and Executive Director of Wild Montana John Todd join Joe Borden to break down the A River Runs Through It Act: what’s actually in it, what each side gave up, who’s still going to fight it, and whether a bill 20 years in the making can clear Congress in four months.
Also: the Muir-vs-Pinchot argument, the river that was too polluted to play itself on film, Griz vs. Cats in a split household, and a Brad Pitt trivia game that goes sideways fast.
What’s at stake? Roughly 130,000 acres of new wilderness, including additions to the Bob Marshall, the Scapegoat and the Mission Mountains, plus Nevada Mountain — the first standalone wilderness designated in Montana since 1983. About 180,000 acres of forest restoration areas near Lincoln and Ovando. New recreation areas, permanent snowmobile access and an OHV loop. Release of roughly 23,000 acres of wilderness study areas.
Here’s the link to learn more and show your support (don’t be afraid to call the Montana delegation and encourage them): ARiverRunsThroughIt.org
Learn more about Wild Montana: WildMontana.org
And come out for Big Sky Community Week Oct. 5–9! Visit BigSkyCommunityWeek.org to see the full schedule.
