Montana lawmakers would ask Congress to release studied and roadless lands

The Legislature would petition Congress to release the covered areas for public uses. The petition covers wilderness study areas identified under the Montana Wilderness Study Act and the National Landscape Conservation System, plus inventoried roadless areas identified by the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The petition would not cover a study area that Congress confirms for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.

The Legislature would urge the agriculture and interior secretaries to direct federal land agencies to evaluate effects on watersheds and downstream water rights. The evaluations would concern watersheds in Montana wilderness study areas and downstream water rights holders. The Legislature asks Congress to consider land management options alongside the 2007 water rights compact between Montana and the Forest Service. The resolution urges the evaluations to begin immediately.