Public Lands

In Montana, our public lands are a way of life. As your United States Senator, I will continue to fight for expanded access to our public lands. This includes permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the proper management of our forests to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

Access to Montana’s many public lands must be properly managed in a collaborative effort. This includes by private citizens, Native American tribes, and federal and state governments. It is imperative that the federal government be good neighbors with private landowners, and I will fervently work to protect private property rights against improper government encroachment. Simply stated, I will fight to sustain our way of life in Montana for future generations. 

What They Are Saying: Daines Receives Significant Praise for Work on the Great American Outdoors Act

U.S. SENATE – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ bipartisan conservation bill, the “Great American Outdoors Act,” which provides full, mandatory funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and addresses the national park and public lands maintenance backlog was signed into law by President Trump.  Following the signing ceremony, Daines received significant praise for his work on getting the greatest conservation bill in 50 years signed into law from the Trump administration, public lands advocates, sportsmen groups, local commissioners and more.  “Senator Steve Daines, he’s a fantastic man, a fantastic Senator, he’s done a wonderful job. He loves his

Daines Introduces Major Bipartisan Forest Management Reform Bill

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) today introduced major, bipartisan forest management reform legislation. The bipartisan bill increases active management of federal forests, cuts red tape, reduced frivolous litigation and gives the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) the tools to protect communities from deadly wildfires.    “I am very happy to join Senator Feinstein in introducing this strong, commonsense forest management legislation,” Daines said. “This bill will speed up urgently needed projects to reduce wildfire risks, create good paying jobs in the forestry sector, and protect public health and safety. I look forward to working closely with

President Trump Signs Daines’ Bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act Into Law

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined President Trump at the White House for the official signing ceremony of his bipartisan bill, the “Great American Outdoors Act.” Daines’ conservation bill provides full, mandatory funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and addresses the maintenance backlog facing national parks and public lands. To download the full video, click HERE.  “This is a great day for Montana, this is a great day for America and this is a great day for conservation and for all of us who love the great outdoors,” Daines said. “The Great American Outdoors Act is a big win

House Passes Daines’ Bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today praised the passage of his bipartisan bill, the “Great American Outdoors Act,” out of the U.S. House of Representatives. Daines’ conservation bill provides full, permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and addresses the maintenance backlog facing the nation’s national parks and public lands.    To download Daines full statement, click HERE.  “The U.S. House just passed in a strong bipartisan vote, the Great American Outdoors Act. This is the most important conservation legislation in over 50 years, protecting our public lands, our national parks, it is what we

Daines Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Create Jobs, Support Montana Outfitters and Guides Economically Impacted by COVID-19

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a bipartisan bill that will provide economic opportunities for Montana’s outfitters and guides impacted by COVID-19 and related travel restrictions. The bipartisan “Trail Stewardship for Economic Recovery Act” will provide funding for outfitters & guides to conduct trail maintenance projects on Forest Service lands. “Montana’s outfitters and guides have seen a drastic decline in business due to the coronavirus pandemic and the travel restrictions that have been put in to place,” Daines said. “My bipartisan bill will help our outfitters and guides make ends meet by creating jobs and new opportunities

Daines: Montana’s Wilderness Shouldn’t Be Used as a Playground for the Rich & Famous

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced he will be introducing a bill that would increase the penalties for landing any unauthorized aerial vehicles on designated wilderness areas in national forests. His bill will raise the maximum penalty to $20,000. “Montana’s wilderness shouldn’t be taken advantage of and exploited as a playground for the rich and famous,” Daines said. “Montanans value wilderness for the solitude it provides and the adventure that is involved to travel to so many beautiful locations. My bill will make folks with a deep pocket think twice before entering our pristine wilderness areas unlawfully.”

What They Are Saying: MT Conservation, Public Lands Leaders Applaud Daines’ Leadership on the Great American Outdoors Act

U.S. SENATE – Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines secured Senate passage of his bipartisan conservation bill, the “Great American Outdoors Act” out of the Senate. Daines’ bill provides full, mandatory funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and addresses the national park and public lands maintenance backlog. Here’s what Montana conservation, sportsmen and public lands leaders and stakeholders are saying about the passage of the “Great American Outdoors Act” out of the Senate. F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company is very appreciative of the leadership of Senator Daines to introduce and pass the Great American Outdoors Act through the

Daines Secures Historic Senate Passage of Major Conservation Bill, the Great American Outdoors Act

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted for and secured Senate passage of his bipartisan bill, the Great American Outdoors Act. Daines’ bill requires full, mandatory funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and addresses the maintenance backlog facing the nation’s national parks and public lands.      Click HERE to download the video. “Today, we passed the most important conservation bill for Montana and the nation in decades – one that will increase public access to our public lands, support our national parks and importantly, protect our Montana outdoor way of life,” Daines said. “I

Daines Advances the Bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act in the Senate

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today secured a successful vote to advance his bipartisan bill, the “Great American Outdoors Act,” in the U.S. Senate. This is the first procedural vote needed to get the legislation passed out of the Senate. The bipartisan bill provides full, mandatory funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and addresses the maintenance backlog facing the nation’s public lands and national parks. For a video statement from the Senator click, HERE. Ahead of the vote, Daines also spoke on the Senate floor to highlight this historic moment for conservation. To download Daines’ full remarks,