Dear Editor: Public Lands Bind Us

Dear Editor,

Once again, the Rally for Public Lands at the State Capitol was proof that our public lands and outdoor way of life bind us. The numbers bear it out: 89% of Montanans visit public lands every year. 64% hunt or fish. 79% consider themselves conservationists. 89% say public lands positively impact our overall quality of life. These values are the common ground on which we build strong families and pass on the traditions that shape us.

But some fringe state lawmakers don’t seem to share these values.

These lawmakers are attacking our outdoor way of life. This legislature, they’ve int...