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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Pass these, please

Posted on Wed, Dec 12, 2012 at 4:15 PM

Now that the election is over we can sharpen our focus on issues that will help ensure long-term prosperity in Montana. Montanans of all stripes have worked out positive solutions for public lands. We have found common ground that will protect elk habitat, provide clean water for trout, while producing timber to keep workers and mills productive.

Those plans to strengthen our economy and sustain our unique lifestyle are formalized in two bills before Congress, the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act and the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act.

Two recent polls show over 70 percent of Montanans, including majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independent voters, support both bills.

Montanans have done the hard work of listening to differing points of view and have proposed realistic solutions. Loggers, hunters, hikers, ranchers and anglers have come together in compromise. We have shown we can listen, understand and compromise rather than obstruct and file lawsuits.

It is now time for Congress to recognize the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act and the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act are made in Montana, long-term solutions that sustain both people and place.

Our delegation needs to see that these solutions become law.

Lee Boman
Seeley Lake