Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke announced the introduction of the A River Runs Through It Act at Smoke Elzer Barn in Missoula, bringing together local elected officials, timber industry representatives, sportsmen, and conservation groups to mark the legislation’s debut.

The bill merges two existing proposals — the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Proposal and the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal — into a single framework covering approximately 430,000 acres in the Blackfoot Valley. The effort draws on more than two decades of collaborative work by communities in the Blackfoot and Clearwater Valleys.

What the Legislation Would Do

If enacted, the act would expand recreation opportunities, allow forest restoration work, conserve public lands, support the timber industry, reduce wildfire risk, and protect public access. It would also resolve long-standing wilderness study area designations and, if passed, would establish Montana’s first new wilderness designation since 2014.

Supporting organizations include Wild Montana, Montana Trout Unlimited, The Wilderness Society, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Back Country Horsemen of Montana, the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

Zinke described the bill as a model for community-driven land management. Zach Angstead of Wild Montana said his organization was honored to be part of the two collaboratives that spent more than two decades developing solutions for public lands in the Blackfoot watershed.

Zinke introduced a related measure earlier this year focused on Blackfoot Valley conservation ahead of his term’s end.