Montana Delegation’s Bill to Name Peak in Diekmann’s Honor Passes U.S. Senate

(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines and U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte today hailed U.S. Senate passage of their bill to honor the life of renowned Montana conservationist, Alex Diekmann, by naming an unnamed peak in his memory.

The U.S. Senate today passed a bill to name an unnamed 9,765-foot peak as “Alex Diekmann Peak.”

“Alex Diekmann’s contributions to Montana must always be remembered,” Tester said. “His impact to conservation and outdoor recreation will be felt for generations to come. Renaming this wild peak in his honor will ensure Alex’s legacy will remain a part of Montana’s outdoor heritage.”

“Alex Diekmann brought Montanans together to balance the needs of local landowners, ranchers and foresters, local cities and towns, county commissions, and federal and state interests to protect our public lands,” Daines stated. “I look forward to visiting and climbing Alex Diekmann Peak in Alex’s honor with his family to commemorate his life.” 

“Naming the peak after Alex Diekmann is a tribute to a man who united people to protect our public lands. Alex embodied the spirit of working together that defines Montana,” Gianforte said. “I will continue working with my colleagues in the House to honor Alex, his work, and his memory.”

Background:

In Bozeman, Diekmann worked as a senior project manager for the Trust for Public Land. He worked for 16 years to protect the Madison and Greater Yellowstone Area, which includes the Taylor Fork in the Gallatin Canyon, Three Dollar Bridge, Chestnut Mountain and Frog Rock, and the restoration of O’Dell Creek in the Madison Valley.

Diekmann also worked on more than 55 projects and helped to preserve more than 100,000 acres during his time with the Trust for Public Lands. Some of his accomplishments also include conserving 23,000 acres of forested lands surrounding Whitefish, Montana. In addition, he sought to protect of The Offline Ranch, The Sun Ranch, The Granger Ranches, The Boltz Ranch, The Gecho Ranch and The Crumley Ranch.

Statements of Support:

Jeff Laszlo, Granger Ranches, Ennis, Montana: “I support and advocate for the naming of Alex Diekmann Peak in honor of one of the greatest conservationist and people our area has ever been so fortunate to know and to have working on our behalf. Alex was responsible for many landmark conservation projects in Madison Valley and in Montana that protected and preserved working lands, open space, natural resources, and public access for generations to come. Alex’s unique talents made it possible to put together complex land deals to conserve the Madison Valley. He remained engaged and involved with his heart and soul in the Valley’s protection until his very final days. Naming the peak after him is a fitting tribute and reminder to all of us of his commitment, legacy, and dedication that will be needed in the future.”

Glenn Marx, Executive Director of the Montana Association of Land Trusts: “The designation of Alex Diekmann Peak will be a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy of conservation and public service will permanently contribute to Montana’s economy, landscape and outdoor recreation. The Montana land trust community is truly grateful to the Montana Congressional Delegation for their leadership and commitment to finalize this designation and officially create Alex Diekmann Peak.”

Dave Schulz, Former Chairman, Madison County Commission: “Alex Diekmann was responsible for the conservation of more than 50 distinct areas in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, securing for the future over 100,000 acres of iconic mountains and valleys, rivers and creeks, ranches and farms, and historic sites and open spaces. Alex possessed a truly unique set of gifts and without his community spirit, tremendous skills, and conservation commitment, many of these places surely would have been lost.”

Chuck Roady, Vice President and General Manager of F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company: “Alex crossed all barriers, working with everyone, to get things done for what’s best for the land. I am proud to be a part of this effort to commemorate his life’s work. Thanks to Senators Daines, Tester, and Rep. Gianforte for coming together to pass this bill through the Senate. I hope it can become law quickly.”

The delegation’s bill is supported by:

City of Whitefish
The Madison River Foundation
Montana Trout Unlimited
Montana Association of Land Trusts
The Trust for Public Land
American Fly Fishing Trade Association
Gallatin County Commission

The text of the bill is available to download here.