Montana businesses rely on a host of vital elements in their effort to stay relevant and productive in their respective fields. Education, technology, access to talent and materials, all play a part in any successful business. In Montana, however, there is another vital piece of the economic puzzle. That piece is our public lands and access to them, supported enormously by the Land Water Conservation Fund.
The Land Water Conservation Fund has protected local and national parks, working forests, historic landmarks and wildlife refuges in Montana and across the nation for 50 years, and yet it is under threat of disappearing in September of this year if Congress doesn’t get behind its reauthorization, being pushed for by our own Sen. Jon Tester.
Tester’s effort at reauthorization for LWCF comes on the heels of his appearance at the recent Haymakers Summit, where he spoke directly to the benefit the Montana businesses gain through our public lands, in their decision to create and expand their businesses in Montana, and their ability to create high value, good paying jobs that bring investment to our communities.
Our public lands and the opportunities they bring are the reason people want to be here, and should be served with a resource that works fiercely and effectively to protect them.
LWCF is a vital piece of our public land protection and nurturing that has no bearing on Montana taxpayers, yet yields undeniable returns. The program has served Montana successfully for more than half a century by protecting access to our mountains and streams, preserving vital habitat, and making sure that our natural assets have a future.
I head a high-tech, Ecommerce consultancy based in Whitefish. The salaries we pay and the money we bring in from out of state supports our employee’s families and the broad community we purchase our goods and services from. Competition for the top talent we need to grow our business is high. The most valuable asset we have for recruitment is this “brand” we call Montana, and its incredible outdoor space.
It is clear to Tester that LWCF reauthorization is worth fighting for. We encourage the rest of Congress to follow suit, doing right by their responsibility to local economies and future generations.
Reed Gregerson, president
The ZaneRay Group, Whitefish