News

Falls Creek project opens more public lands, access on Rocky Mountain Front

On Tuesday, dozens of people gathered on the Rocky Mountain Front to celebrate a new addition to Montana’s public lands. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation held a ceremony to mark the official opening of the Falls Creek property to the public. The foundation purchased the 442-acre property, just off Dearborn Canyon Road southwest of Augusta, and transferred it to the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Leaders say the agreement permanently protects important wildlife habitat and provides much improved access to an additional 26,000 acres of public land beyond the property. “It’s one of those iconic things that I think the

Daines, Gianforte praise Helena company’s work on F-35 fighter jet

A disembodied cockpit and set of screens at Helena’s Fire Training Center simulate the world’s most advanced fighter jet.  The Lockheed-Martin F-35 Lightning II is a state-of-the-art aircraft intended for use by the United States military and by partners overseas. A stealth fighter, bomber and all-round world-beater, the F-35 is intended give America long-term air superiority. “I grew up under President Ronald Reagan and he always talked about ‘peace through strength,’” U.S. Sen. Steve Daines said. “This is a great example of the technology we need, the F-35, for air superiority.”  Sen. Daines and U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte were in Helena

Montana US Sen. Steve Daines going to China to talk ag trade

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana says he’s traveling to China next week to continue agricultural trade discussions. In 2017, Daines announced a tentative agreement with one of China’s largest retailers to import $200 million of beef raised by members of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. That effort has stalled amid the escalating trade dispute between the U.S. and China. Daines said his trip is meant to bring Montana agriculture to the forefront of ongoing negotiations between the countries. He’ll be travelling with Republican U.S. Sen. David Perdue of Georgia.  A spokeswoman says Daines supports President Donald

Daines sees new technology used on northern border

Sen. Steve Daines toured Montana’s northern border with Canada on Thursday and said he saw new technology and new methods being used to increase security.    Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials showed Daines the latest in aerial and terrestrial technologies — including small unmanned aircraft systems, ground sensors and autonomous towers.  They said these will help to better protect our border while enhancing the safety of the CBP.  “This is a great example of how we are using technology to be a force multiplier here for the men and women who serve protecting us at the northern border,” the Montana Republican said in a

Daines: Montana’s Northern Border is Critical to National Security

SWEETGRASS, Mont. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today toured Montana’s Northern Border with Canada to discuss the importance of keeping Montana and the United States safe and secure.   During the visit, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials demonstrated new technology being used on the border, and discussed new methods being used for security.   To download SOTVO click HERE  Following the technology demo Daines said: “This is a great example of how we are using technology to be a force multiplier here for the men and women who serve protecting us at the northern border… It’s an open and porous border,

Sen. Daines receives briefing on Beeskove Fire north of Missoula

MISSOULA — Fire officials are confident a wildfire north of Missoula will not grow significantly even though the weather is supposed to get hotter. However, they have a plan in place in case that does happen. Senator Steve Daines attended a briefing at the incident base on Wednesday to receive an update on firefighting progress and what to expect in the near future. “We’ve got excellent leadership working together. And consequently that combined with — we have had a few breaks here in the weather the rain that we had a few days ago — means that this fire could

Daines Secures Over $175,000 in Grant Funding for Pipeline Safety in Montana

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced he secured a $176,927 grant for the State of Montana to enhance pipeline safety across the state. “All over Montana, pipelines are a critical piece of infrastructure – providing major economic benefits to the communities that host them,” Daines said. “I’m glad to see these important funds be directed to keeping Montana’s pipelines safe from potential spills and accidents, which will allow these pipelines to continue to spur economic growth across the state.”   The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration State Based Grants program is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation

Touring the state: Daines talks wildfire, more during Belgrade stop

While Congress is in recess, Sen. Steve Daines is traveling the state discussing topics from wildfires to the Endangered Species Act to gun violence. At Bridger Aerospace in Belgrade on Tuesday, Daines, a Bozeman Republican, spoke about a bill he plans to introduce this fall aimed at reducing wildfire risk. The legislation, which he will cosponsor with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, will include efforts like more aggressively thinning trees near roads and trails because he said most human-caused wildfires start within a half mile of roads or trails. “Either we need to better manage our forests or our

Daines defends environmental record; supports LWCF, opposes land transfers

Sen. Steve Daines this week defended his environmental voting record by expressing support for funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund at its full amount while opposing the transfer of federal lands back to the states. But he remained noncommittal on the appointment of William Pendley to lead the Bureau of Land Management. Pendley has advocated for transferring or selling public lands and is viewed by some as an ideological extremist on the issue. “You have a director in Interior Secretary David Bernhardt who has been adamant in his opposition to the transfer of federal lands to the states,” Daines