Rep. Ryan Zinke is preparing to introduce legislation that would reshape land management across 430,000 acres in Montana’s Blackfoot Valley. As reported by mtpr.org, the congressman plans to bring the measure to Congress before his term concludes later this year.

A Unified Approach

The proposed “A River Runs Through It Act” consolidates several previous conservation and recreation proposals into a single framework. Zinke’s office describes the initiative as a landscape-scale strategy designed to balance multiple uses of public land. The bill seeks to expand recreational opportunities while simultaneously addressing wildfire risks through forest restoration and timber harvests.

Key provisions include modifications to existing Wilderness designations and the creation of a new Wilderness area on Nevada Mountain. The legislation also proposes the development of new trails to improve access for outdoor enthusiasts.

Broad Coalition

Support for the act spans traditional political divides in western Montana. Local residents, community leaders, environmental organizations, recreation advocates, and timber industry groups have all expressed backing for the measure. Supporters characterize the bill as a model of collaborative conservation, emphasizing shared use rather than exclusive protection or extraction.

Tight Timeline

Zinke intends to introduce the bill next week, aiming to advance it through the legislative process before the end of the 2026 session. The push comes as the congressman prepares to leave office, marking one of his final efforts to influence federal land policy in the state.