Steve Daines: “I want to give my thanks to the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee for his support and leadership in moving…”

“I want to give my thanks to the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee for his support and leadership in moving this bill through the House. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly offer H.R. 2259, the North Fork Watershed Protection Act, for consideration in the full House. This bill is special to Montana for many reasons. The Flathead River is one of the most cherished waterways in our great State, and our country, for trout fishing. In fact, it is considered a ``red ribbon'' stream. That is Montana's version of a blue ribbon trout stream. The Flathead is an area beloved by the local community for recreation and supporting the region's forest-based economy. Last but not least, this watershed is a gateway to one of the crown jewels of the National Park system, Glacier National Park. Protecting the watershed and ensuring its value extends for future generations has been a task shared by Governors and legislatures of both parties, our neighboring Canadian Province of British Columbia, as well as our local Chambers of Commerce. It is also supported by Montana Senators Max Baucus and John Tester, and myself. We all support protecting this area for future generations. It makes this bill the first lands legislation supported by the entire Montana delegation in nearly 30 years. The North Fork Watershed Protection Act protects 430,000 acres along the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River from mineral development.…”