Steve Pearce, Sen. Steve Daines and the BLM
By Benjamin Alva Polley EBS COLUMNIST
Montana’s wild landscapes aren’t just scenery—they represent a deeply held way of life for many in the Treasure State. Access to public lands shapes Montana’s culture, economy, and even its politics.
That’s why President Trump’s nomination of Steve Pearce, a former Congressman from New Mexico, to direct the Bureau of Land Management is drawing significant scrutiny, especially among Montanans who are passionate defenders of their public lands. Adding fuel to the debate, Sen. Steve Daines has emerged as a vocal supporter of Pearce—an endorsement at odds with the sentiment of many in his own state.
Pearce’s background combines business acumen and legislative experience. He served on committees related to natural resources and land management in Congress, which supporters say demonstrates his understanding of the complexities of administering vast federal lands.
Advocates argue Pearce will champion policies to increase responsible resource extraction—timber, minerals, and energy—that can generate revenue for rural communities. Pearce has stressed the importance of returning control to local authorities, criticizing what he views as overreach by federal agencies. His supporters believe this philosophy could give Montana ranchers, landowners, and county officials a stronger voice in land management decisions.
Some hope that Pearce will streamline permitting processes, making it easier for small businesses, ranchers and outfitters to operate on public land.
Still, many Montanans are worried.
Pearce’s record includes support for transferring federal lands to state or private entities—a stance that alarms Montanans who cherish broad public access for hunting, fishing and recreation. Many fear Pearce could restrict access or prioritize corporate interests. Conservationists warn that increased resource extraction could lead to habitat loss, water pollution and degradation of wild landscapes, endangering Montana’s rich wildlife biodiversity and tourism economy.
Montana’s outdoor recreation sector generated $3.4 billion in 2024 and supported 30,915 jobs. Public lands and their protection consistently poll high around 74% among Montana voters, across the political spectrum. Pearce’s positions appear out of step with these deeply held values, raising concerns about who the BLM will serve. Pearce’s critics argue that he has not consistently demonstrated a willingness to listen to all stakeholders. Montana’s outdoor recreationists, tribal groups and conservation organizations worry their voices will be marginalized or ignored.
Sen. Daines appears torn between party allegiance and state values.
As a staunch Republican, Daines’ support for Pearce is not surprising. Daines claims the nomination will create jobs and stimulate local economies. But this stance puts him at odds with many Montanans—Democrats, Independents and many Republicans—who fear losing access to the public lands that define their way of life.
Montana has a tradition of bridging political divides when it comes to wild places. Support for keeping public land in public hands is nearly universal, with organizations such as Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Montana Wildlife Federation voicing concerns about Pearce.
It’s telling that Daines faces growing criticism from constituents who see his support for Pearce as an abandonment of homegrown values for party loyalty.
Bottom line, the debate over Steve Pearce’s nomination as BLM director goes beyond a single appointment—it’s a referendum on who gets to shape the future of America’s public lands.
For Montana, the stakes could not be higher. Across the state, people are asking whether their voices—from ranchers and hunters to conservationists and tribal leaders—will be drowned out by distant politicians with only a passing interest in the places they call home. By standing behind the nominee, Senator Daines now faces a stark choice: defend the lands that define Montana, or allow party lines to silence the voices of his own state.
Daines is up for re-election next year. Don’t forget where he stands on what’s important to Montanans.
Benjamin Alva Polley is a place-based storyteller. His words have been published in Rolling Stone, Esquire, Field & Stream, The Guardian, Men’s Journal, Outside, Popular Science, Sierra, and WWF, among other notable publications, which can be viewed on his website.
