River Runs Through It Act receives Missoula County support

The River Runs Through It Act, introduced by Representative Ryan Zinke, has received support from Missoula County for its approach to land management in the Blackfoot watershed. The bipartisan legislation aims to add the first new protected wilderness in 14 years while simultaneously supporting timber harvests, reducing wildfire risks, and expanding recreation opportunities.

The act covers more than 430,000 acres near the Clearwater and Blackfoot rivers. Key provisions include adding nearly 100,000 acres of Forest Service land to the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wilderness areas and establishing new wilderness on Nevada Mountain. Additionally, the legislation will release 23,000 acres of Wilderness Study areas for broader use.