Tester Secures $1 Million to Protect the Blackfoot River Watershed

Funding will preserve and protect land for recreational access

U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced he has secured $1,000,000 to preserve and protect the Blackfoot River Watershed and open access to the land for recreational use, including for snowmobiling, cross country skiing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing. 

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester secured these funds through the 2024 government funding bill’s Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

“The Blackfoot River Watershed is home to some of the best outdoor recreation our state has to offer – and we’ve got to work to ensure that this land and protected and preserved so that everyone has the chance to experience the Last Best Place,” said Tester. “Montana’s great outdoors are central to our state’s identity, and I am proud to have secured this funding to ensure this land will be around for our kids and grandkids to enjoy.”

As a longtime public lands advocate, Tester has long fought to secure funding to improve access, make infrastructure improvements, and preserve Montana’s outdoor heritage. Earlier this month, he pushed for action on his Montana Headwaters Legacy Act, which will protect 384 miles of Montana’s most iconic rivers—including the Gallatin, Madison, and Smith as well as headwater streams in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest—to ensure they are permanently protected for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations from short-sighted special interests. He also championed the Great American Outdoors Act, legislation that secures permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at $900 million annually and allocates $9.5 billion to address maintenance backlogs on public lands across the United States.  

Additionally, his Blackfoot-Clearwater Stewardship Act, which is supported by 85% of Montanans and would create jobs, protect thousands of acres of public land, and ensure future generations can access the world-class outdoor recreational opportunities available in the Blackfoot River Watershed, passed through the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, setting up the legislation for a full Senate vote.

A full list of Montana provisions Tester secured in appropriations can be found HERE.