Senators announce 80 acres added to Gallatin National Forest

New Deal Will Keep Land Open To Hunters

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Montana's U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester announced today the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is buying 80 acres of private land within the Gallatin National Forest.

The $25,000 deal will preserve the wildlife habitat within the Bear Canyon watershed from future development, while keeping it open for hunting, hiking, skiing and other outdoor activities.

"In Montana, we spend as much time as we can out under the Big Sky," Baucus said.  "This is right for Montana because it will help us preserve our outdoor heritage and boost our tourist industry at the same time. This deal means Montana will remain home to both good paying jobs and great places to hunt and fish."

"This is my favorite kind of deal because everybody wins," Tester said.  "Montana truly is the Last Best Place, and sales like this will keep it that way for future generations."

The landowners will use the money from the sale to create a scholarship through the Montana State University Foundation.